The priority value of scrubland habitats for carnivore conservation in Mediterranean ecosystems |
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Authors: | Julián G Mangas Jorge Lozano Sara Cabezas-Díaz Emilio Virgós |
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Institution: | (1) Departamento de Ciencias de la Naturaleza y Física Aplicada, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/Tulipán s/n, E-29833 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain |
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Abstract: | Carnivores are umbrella species with a key role in ecosystems. In the Mediterranean, they face with several conservation problems,
mainly habitat loss or transformation. In this region, scrubland habitats are considered of minor conservation relevance as
compared to mature forest formations. Conservation of scrublands in Mediterranean ecosystems is also difficult because to
control fires, they are removed over large areas. For carnivores, scrublands may be essential to guarantee shelter and food.
Here, we analyzed the importance of scrublands and other habitat variables in determining the richness of medium-sized carnivores
in a typical Mediterranean area of central Spain (Monfragüe Natural Park). The Park was divided into plots of 2 × 2 km (n = 30). In each plot, a 2 km-length survey route was walked searching for carnivore scats. We recorded the number of species
of carnivores and we related this value to several habitat variables. Habitat variables were summarized by means of Principal
Component Analysis (PCA). Habitat models were developed by, using multiple regression models, including PCA factors and the
habitat type as predictors. The only variable included in the final model was the first PCA factor. Carnivore richness was
positively associated with large tree, shrub, and rock cover areas, which is the typical habitat structure of scrublands.
This habitat offers the best available area for shelter and may be considered as a key element for carnivore conservation
in the Mediterranean region. To reconciliate carnivore conservation and forestry management, we proposed small-scale clearances
as a management alternative to typical large scrubland removals. |
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Keywords: | Felis silvestris Fire management Forestry Martes foina Mediterranean Meles meles Scrublands Vulpes vulpes |
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