Characteristics of mammal abundance relative to habitat variables in temperate forests

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the characteristics of mammal abundance that are related to habitat variables in natural deciduous forest and Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis) plantation in the national forest of Mt. Gariwang, Pyeongchang, Korea. Habitat variables differed between forest types. We counted the mammal trails of Korean hares (Lepus coreanus), raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), Siberian weasels (Mustela sibirica), Eurasian badgers (Meles meles), water deer (Hydropotes inermis) and wild boars (Sus scrofa) during the study period. Eurasian badgers, water deer, and wild boars exhibited one or two significant correlations with coverage of understory, downed trees, and coverage of overstory, as determined using a stepwise approach. Habitat variables could be used as predictors of mammal abundance, and thus forest managers should consider such variables in mammal conservation and management activities.