Search results for "Mustela nivalis"
showing 3 items of 3 documents
Update of the distribution and habitat use of the wildcat, pine marten and weasel in Sicily
2020
The wildcat (Felis silvestris), the pine marten (Martes martes) and the weasel (Mustela nivalis) are key members of the mammalian community in Sicily, actually performing the role of top predators and consequently influencing the trophic chain both in natural and agricultural areas. However, despite their protected status, very little information is available regarding their occurrence and ecology. Here, by verifying published studies, collecting personal observations and analyzing novel field data obtained by camera traps, we update their spatial distribution in Sicily, contributing to a better understanding of their habitat use and suggesting future research to improve our knowledge of th…
Secondhand horror: effects of direct and indirect predator cues on behavior and reproduction of the bank vole
2019
Risk recognition by prey is of paramount importance within the evolutionary arms race between predator and prey. Prey species are able to detect direct predator cues like odors and adjust their behavior appropriately. The question arises whether an indirect predation cue, such as the odor of scared individuals, can be detected by conspecifics and subsequently affects recipient behavior. Parents may also transfer their experience with predators to their offspring. In two experiments, we assessed how direct and indirect predation cues affect bank vole (Myodes glareolus) foraging behavior, reproduction, and pup fitness. Weasel (Mustela nivalis) odor served as the direct cue, whereas the odor o…