Abstract
In order to conserve wetlands, it is crucial to have reliable knowledge of population and community processes. Our aims were to explore the dietary differences that allow coexistence of carnivores belonging to different trophic guilds, and to detect the presence of the relict Pannonian root vole subspecies (Microtus oeconomus méhelyi) within the Kis-Balaton marshland (Hungary). The 1-year dietary study was based on faecal analysis of the main mammalian predators of the area, i.e. red fox (Vulpes vulpes), martens (Martes spp.) and Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). Small mammals, mainly Microtus species and water vole (Arvicola amphibius), were the primary foods for each carnivore. The dietary pattern of the otter was unique among European studies. Analysis of frequency data and estimated consumed biomass data revealed significant interspecific and intraspecific (seasonal) foraging differences among the three predators. Based on diets and live trapping of small mammals, foxes and martens selected voles, they selected against mice and shrews. The selection of the root vole was confirmed from faecal samples of foxes and martens. Consequently, faecal analysis of common carnivores can be an effective monitoring tool in providing data about prey species under special habitat conditions. Thus, it may contribute to wetland conservation indirectly.
Highlights
Marshlands are specific transitional areas as they include features of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems (Mitsch and Gosselink 1986)
Marshlands are threatened by considerable human disturbance, management or land use
Kis-Balaton is a wetland, which was part of Lake Balaton until the nineteenth century, but thereafter, that area was subject to intensive draining (Tátrai et al 2000)
Summary
Marshlands are specific transitional areas as they include features of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems (Mitsch and Gosselink 1986) Their high productivity, rich and diverse macrovegetation make them ecologically optimal areas, and due to their high biodiversity marshes host unique communities (Báldi et al 1999; Verboom et al 2006; Scott et al 2008). In order to rehabilitate the marshland habitats, the former area was artificially flooded into two stages (1985: Kis-Balaton Water Protection System I – KBWPSI and 1992: Kis-Balaton Water Protection System II – KBWPSII; Tátrai et al 2000) Nowadays, it is one of the largest marshlands (total area 14,745 ha) and is the most complex habitat system in Hungary, due to its biodiversity and the variety of conservation management (Báldi et al 1999; Tátrai et al 2000; Futó 2001; Horváth and Herczeg 2013)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
