Martens in the matrix: the importance of nonforested habitats for forest carnivores in fragmented landscapes

摘要: The intervening landscape between patches of forest (i.e., matrix) has enormous potential to mitigate the negative effects fragmentation. However, release this requires understanding how individual species perceive matrix. Here we investigated use matrix by pine martens (Martes martes) in a region with low cover (Scotland). We radiotracked 11 determine their habitat preferences, then combined our data those published from 5 additional Scottish landscapes examine home-range size population density) and diet varied edge density fragmentation). Our tracking showed that although mature was most preferred habitat, certain habitats (scrub tussock grassland) also were consistently selected. These 2 provided fundamental resources are limited availability within intensively managed plantation forests: den sites primary prey (Microtus agrestis). synthesis across indicated benefit supplemental habitats; consumption small mammals increased fragmentation coincided an initial increase marten densities. densities decreased once passed threshold level. results demonstrate complementation at landscape-scale is essential for some forest-associated species. Resource supplementation may be particularly important regions long history low-forest or where now dominated afforested plantations, which lack resources.