Association of the polecat Mustela putorius in eastern Spain with montane pine forests

摘要: Populations of European polecat Mustela putorius have suffered a significant decline over the last few decades, although this trend may be reversing in some regions. In Mediterranean areas, which are generally at edge species' range, there is little information on distribution and conservation requirements species. This study analyses relationship between habitat types Valencia region eastern Spain. Validated responses to questionnaires sent naturalists, forestry agents, hunters other groups likely seen polecats were used record presence 10 * km squares. Polecats recorded only areas low human population density located high altitudes, contrast more well-studied populations elsewhere Europe, where species associated with human-modified environments. Montane pine forests appear preferred type for Spain, their absence from extensive low-lying scrubland, produced by continuous history fire disturbance, due relatively diversity abundance potential prey habitat.