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Landscape features in the habitat selection of European mink (Mustela lutreola) in south-western Europe

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 August 2003

Jabi Zabala ,
Iñigo Zuberogoitia ,
Inazio Garin  and
Joxerra Aihartza
Jabi Zabala
Affiliation:
Sebero Otxoa 45, 5 B. 48480 Arrigorriaga, Biscay, Basque Country, Spain Department Zoology and Animal Cellular Dynamics, Science Faculty, University of the Basque Country, E-48480 Bilbao, P.O. Box 644, Spain
Iñigo Zuberogoitia
Affiliation:
Department Zoology and Animal Cellular Dynamics, Science Faculty, University of the Basque Country, E-48480 Bilbao, P.O. Box 644, Spain Icarus. C/Pintor Sorolla 6, 1°, 26007 Logroño, Spain
Inazio Garin
Affiliation:
Department Zoology and Animal Cellular Dynamics, Science Faculty, University of the Basque Country, E-48480 Bilbao, P.O. Box 644, Spain
Joxerra Aihartza
Affiliation:
Department Zoology and Animal Cellular Dynamics, Science Faculty, University of the Basque Country, E-48480 Bilbao, P.O. Box 644, Spain
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Abstract

Habitat change is one of the main factors influencing the decline of the western population of European mink Mustela lutreola, but data on habitat selection are scarce. Landscape features influencing selection of habitat and resting sites of male European mink were studied using radio-tracking. None of the habitat descriptors accounted for the habitat selection of European mink during their activity periods. On the other hand, resting site selection was correlated with the presence of bramble patches. Intensive use of bramble patches is explained as a consequence of the need of mink for protection against predators. Moreover, the high availability of bramble patches provides the mink with easy resting sites.

Keywords

European minkMustela lutreoladenning behaviourbramble thicketssemi-aquatic carnivoreriverbank managementconservationsouth-western Europe
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Zoology , Volume 260 , Issue 4 , August 2003 , pp. 415 - 421
Copyright
2003 The Zoological Society of London

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