Diet and habitat selection in Cantabrian Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus cantabricus): ecological differentiation of a rear-edge population

Abstract

Cantabrian capercaillie Tetrao urogallus cantabricus is a peripheral population with distinctive phenotypic, biogeographic, and genetic characteristics. Hence, the population may also show substantial ecological differentiation associated with its habitat in purely deciduous forests. We assessed seasonal diet selection, small-scale habitat selection, and patterns of trophic niche width in Cantabrian capercaillie over two years. Diet was found to be a driver of small-scale habitat selection, a result consistent with previous studies of stand-scale habitat selection. Diet and habitat selection showed the importance of beech Fagus sylvatica, holly Ilex aquifolium, bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus, and ferns in Cantabrian capercaillie’s resource selection. Conversely, the abundant oaks Quercus petraea, birches Betula pubescens, and heaths Erica sp. were used below their availability. The reliance on bilberry appears as a unifying characteristic between central and peripheral capercaillie populations. Cantabrian capercaillie showed stronger reliance on understory resources than range-central populations. It also showed wider trophic niche and higher specialization of feeding events. Trophic niche patterns and reliance on ground resources indicated a marked ecological differentiation, which stresses the need for local data and specific conservation actions.