Diet and habitat selection in Cantabrian Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus cantabricus): ecological differentiation of a rear-edge population

摘要: Cantabrian capercaillie Tetrao urogallus cantabricus is a peripheral population with distinctive phenotypic, biogeographic, and genetic characteristics. Hence, the may also show substantial ecological differentiation associated its habitat in purely deciduous forests. We assessed seasonal diet selection, small-scale patterns of trophic niche width over two years. Diet was found to be driver result consistent previous studies stand-scale selection. selection showed importance beech Fagus sylvatica, holly Ilex aquifolium, bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus, ferns capercaillie’s resource Conversely, abundant oaks Quercus petraea, birches Betula pubescens, heaths Erica sp. were used below their availability. The reliance on appears as unifying characteristic between central populations. stronger understory resources than range-central It wider higher specialization feeding events. Trophic ground indicated marked differentiation, which stresses need for local data specific conservation actions.