Scale dependent analyses of habitat selection by marten in the Sub-Boreal Spruce Biogeoclimatic Zone, British Columbia

摘要: Winter habitat selection by radio-collared marten (Martes americana) in the Sub-Boreal Spruce (SBS) Biogeoclimatic Zone was examined at landscape, stand and patch scales between January 1988 September 1991. Capture data indicate that moist cold subzone of SBS more productive as winter than lower elevation dry cool subzone. Landscape scale use for 7 adult (4 males, 3 females) revealed preferentially included mature to old growth seral stage types mesic hygric moisture regimes within their home ranges. Three male substantial areas young forest which may provide them with access alternate prey during periods high population cycles. Stand analyses that, individual ranges, do not prefer any particular but avoid some types, particularly stages, xeric wetlands. This apparent lack preference is likely a consequence landscape level selectivity. Marten exhibited selectivity habitats classified structural features. These preferences were related abundance coarse woody debris, deciduous canopy closure, shrub low size trees snags. At scale, did class coniferous closure. Within selective scale. Structural characteristics sites significantly different from prevailing these in. iv Selectivity occurred all attributes exception mean snag diameter. My results have implications management, harvesting rates cutblock sizes, site preparation tactics, tending practices. If are be maintained an area, management practices must implemented promote distribution sera1 stages (including growth) features necessary habitat.