Distribución espacial y preferencia de hábitat de los micromamíferos en la Cuenca del río Erro (Navarra)

Abstract

The distribution of rodents and insectivores along the river Erro was analysed. This river is located in the Western Pyrenees valleys of Navarra, Spain. This study was conducted seasonally for 2 years using Sherman live-traps. To analyse the relationship between habitat and species presence, captures and trapping effort for each biotope were recorded. Although the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) was the most abundant species - more than 75% of total captures - this sampling method enabled the capture of another 12 species. In addition, if other signs of presence, such as sightings, signals or tracks, are considered, then a total of 21 species of small mammals were detected. The analysis indicated differences between species in habitat preferences. Apodemus flavicollis and Myodes glareolus were associated with deciduous forests in northern areas, whereas Mus spretus and Crocidura russula were associated with crop areas and ecotones in southern areas. Apodemus sylvaticus has been found throughout all the biotopes.