Does the matrix matter? Home range sizes and space use strategies in stone marten at sites with differing degrees of isolation

Abstract

Isolated patches resulting from habitat fragmentation can be surrounded by matrices with different permeabilities that can restrict dispersal and affect space use patterns. In this study, we examined the consequences of being isolated by matrices with different permeabilities on the space use patterns of the stone marten (Martes foina). We radio-tracked 41 martens at two study sites: a highly isolated site (HIS) in villages inside Białowieża Primeval Forest and a low-isolated site (LIS) in villages within a heterogenous landscape comprising a mosaic of agriculture and forest patches. Observations since 1991 documented the population as having a high proportion of males, which significantly declined after 2011. At both sites, stone martens used larger home ranges in spring-summer than in autumn-winter, and males had two to five times larger home ranges than females. Martens adopted two strategies of home range use—stationary or roaming. Roamer individuals only occurred at the HIS, had a 7-fold larger home range size, and moved farther between independent locations than stationary individuals. Roamers often switched between strategies and were in worse condition than stationary martens. Stationary martens used some of the smallest home ranges in Europe, with sizes similar to martens living in cities, while roamers had some of the largest, similar to stone martens inhabiting forests. Seasonal home ranges of stationary individuals did not differ between the study sites, but at the HIS, fidelity to home ranges was lower. Analyses of genetic relationship between individuals showed that dispersal distances from natal areas were shorter at the HIS. The study showed that stone martens exhibit great plasticity in space use.