Food habits of genetically identified pine marten ( Martes martes ) expanding in agricultural lowlands (NW Italy)

摘要: We assessed the diet of pine marten (Martes martes) expanding in heavily human-altered agricultural plain River Po, northern Italy. Between February 2008 and November 2009, surveys were carried out twice a week during seasonal sampling sessions three to four consecutive weeks. To distinguish faecal samples from those sympatric carnivores, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was applied. The availability small mammals by analysis 59 barn owl (Tyto alba) pellets. A total 109 faeces analysed. Its consisted fruit, rodents, lagomorphs birds. Seasonal variation occurred for which prevailed summer, more preyed upon autumn. In winter, almost totally based on vertebrates, main source protein summer. Use differed significantly their availability, voles, particularly bank vole Myodes glareolus, being preferred mice (Apodemus sp.) rats (Rattus sp.). Medium-size formed about 18% diet, value generally reported high-latitude habitats. areas, proved be an opportunistic predator, able face reduced preying medium-size prey fruit.