Biodivers Conserv (2008) 17:43���51 DOI 10.1007/s10531-007-9229-8 1 C ORIGINAL PAPER The priority value of scrubland habitats for carnivore conservation in Mediterranean ecosystems Juli��n G. Mangas �� Jorge Lozano �� Sara Cabezas-D��az �� Emilio Virg��s Received: 3 July 2006 / Accepted: 23 August 2007 / Published online: 29 September 2007 �� Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2007 Abstract Carnivores are umbrella species with a key role in ecosystems. In the Mediter- ranean, they face with several conservation problems, mainly habitat loss or transforma- tion. In this region, scrubland habitats are considered of minor conservation relevance as compared to mature forest formations. Conservation of scrublands in Mediterranean ecosystems is also diYcult because to control Wres, they are removed over large areas. For carnivores, scrublands may be essential to guarantee shelter and food. Here, we analyzed the importance of scrublands and other habitat variables in determining the richness of medium-sized carnivores in a typical Mediterranean area of central Spain (Monfrag��e Natural Park). The Park was divided into plots of 2 �� 2 km (n = 30). In each plot, a 2 km- length survey route was walked searching for carnivore scats. We recorded the number of species of carnivores and we related this value to several habitat variables. Habitat vari- ables were summarized by means of Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Habitat models were developed by, using multiple regression models, including PCA factors and the habi- tat type as predictors. The only variable included in the Wnal model was the Wrst PCA fac- tor. Carnivore richness was positively associated with large tree, shrub, and rock cover areas, which is the typical habitat structure of scrublands. This habitat oVers the best avail- able area for shelter and may be considered as a key element for carnivore conservation in the Mediterranean region. To reconciliate carnivore conservation and forestry manage- ment, we proposed small-scale clearances as a management alternative to typical large scrubland removals. Keywords Felis silvestris �� Fire management �� Forestry �� Martes foina �� Mediterranean �� Meles meles �� Scrublands �� Vulpes vulpes J. G. Mangas �� J. Lozano �� S. Cabezas-D��az �� E. Virg��s (&) Departamento de Ciencias de la Naturaleza y F��sica Aplicada, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/Tulip��n s/n, E-29833 M��stoles, Madrid, Spain e-mail: emilio.virgos@urjc.es

44 Biodivers Conserv (2008) 17:43���51 1 C Introduction Carnivores face several conservation problems as a consequence of the dramatic increase in human activities in ecosystems around the world (Ginsberg and Macdonald 1990 Zielinski and Kucera 1995 Noss et al. 1996 Gese 2001 Wilson and Delahay 2001). Habitat loss and fragmentation are two of the main threats (Gittleman et al. 2001 Virg��s et al. 2002), although our knowledge about the eVects of these threats on diVerent species and ecosys- tems is still scarce. A preliminary and necessary step for conservation action for most species is developing accurate species or diversity-habitat models (Manel et al. 1999 Guissan and Zimmerman 2000 Carroll et al. 2001 Virg��s 2001). Habitat models provide a Wrst assessment of envi- ronmental attributes linked to species survival or occurrence which may guide conservation practices (Guisan and Zimmerman 2000 Scott et al. 2002). Despite the importance of auto- ecological (single-species) habitat studies, we need more research at higher levels, for example, in identifying priority areas or habitats for conservation (Travaini et al. 1997 Carroll et al. 2001 Gurd et al. 2001 Coppolillo et al. 2004 but see Andelman and Fagan 2000 Linnell et al. 2000). Because carnivores are indicator or umbrella species with a key role in ecosystems (Wilcox 1984 Noss et al. 1996 Zielinski 1997 Gittleman et al. 2001 Caro 2003 but see Linnell et al. 2000) and they cope with a myriad of potential threats, the carnivore-habitat models should be among the most relevant for managers and conserva- tionists, especially at large spatial scales (Noss et al. 1996 Carroll et al. 1999 MladenoV et al. 1999 Caroll et al. 2001). In the southwest Mediterranean region we Wnd a diverse and very particular carnivore community, which is still in moderate or good conservation status. Nevertheless, the increase of human activities as a consequence of fast development in the last three decades threatens the conservation status of most vertebrate species and their habitats (D��az et al. 1997 De Juana 2004). Carnivore-habitat studies in this region are also interesting because the Mediterranean region is very diVerent in its climatic and Xoristic features in relation to other European regions, such as temperate and boreal ecosystems. The Mediterranean region shows typical and unique habitats composed of plants adapted to dry and longer summers (Ozenda 1982). In the Mediterranean large areas are covered by a type of vegeta- tion rarely found in other European ecosystems: the scrublands which are a mixture of sev- eral sclerophyllous shrubs and tree species (Ozenda 1982). This habitat has received some conservation interest due to its large diversity of plant species (M��dail and Quezel 1997), importance for the appearance of strong mutualistic interactions (Herrera 1985), and the existence of large and old trees supporting nests of threatened bird species such as the Imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti) and black vulture (Aegypius monachus) (Ferrer 2001). Despite this appreciable conservation value, the relevance of this ecosystem is low com- pared to mature forest formations in the current programs for species or habitat conserva- tion (MIMAM 2002). Moreover, the conservation of scrublands in Mediterranean ecosystems faces an important constraint. The Mediterranean area suVers from systematic and strong Wres during hot and long summers, which may aVect conservation values but also human interests such as pine plantations, urbanization, or croplands (Prodon et al. 1984 Prodon 1987 Terradas 1996). Most of the management practices of wild Mediterra- nean ecosystems are then centered on stopping these Wres (Terradas 1996). To control Wres, forest managers try to considerably reduce the available combustible material. Shrubs are considered as potentially enhancing factors for Wres, and therefore in most Mediterranean areas, management is based on shrub removal over large areas (Terradas 1996 Camprodon 2001). This management practice was applied without a general knowledge of the role of