Effect of forest fragmentation on space-use patterns in the European pine marten (Martes martes)

International audienceThe cffcct:\ of forest fragmentation on individual space-use patterns were investigated in the European pine marten (Martes martes), considered as a forest-dependent species. The study was done in Ârdennes, France, with the landscape consisting of both cominuous ÎoresI and fragmented habiiai, poor-quality habiiat for pim: marLens. In Lois lanùsr.:ape cOnLexl 3 preûictions were tested: ùue to inuaspeclflc competition, subadults should be overrepresented in fragmented habitat; according to the landscape supplementation theory, home ranges should be larger in fragmented habitat; and over seasons, home ranges should be more stable in forest than in fragmented habitat. Thirty-six individuals were trapped in both habitats, and 23 were radiotrackcd during 3-5 consecutive se.asons. Confirming our 1st prediction, v,le found Lhat the ratio of subadu1ts to adults in fragmente.d habitat was higher Lhan in forest. On the contrary; annu~J home ranges were larger in forest than in fragmented habitat, and temporal stability of home ranges was not significantly different between habitats. Therefore, our results indicate that the pine marten can persist in fragmented habitat and could rathee be defined as a treedependent species