Nikica Šprem, Ivan Madi, Dario Biondić, Mihael Janječić
Journal of Vertebrate Biology 73 (24013), 24013.1-9, (29 May 2024) https://doi.org/10.25225/jvb.24013
KEYWORDS: activity patterns, Adriatic Sea, camera traps, island ecosystem, Martes foina, non-invasive methods
Camera traps were deployed over 12 months (2022-2023) to examine the locomotor activity patterns of stone martens (Martes foina) in a Mediterranean habitat on the island of Dugi Otok, Croatia. Activity levels were calculated, and intersessional differences were tested. Trap rate was compared between seasons and three types of vegetation cover (open areas, dense vegetation areas and cultivated areas). Temperature and relative humidity data were collected using data loggers placed in the study area, and the correlation between the number of events was calculated. The differences between the independent events depending on the moon phase were tested. A total of 416 independent events involving stone martens were recorded. A unimodal locomotor activity pattern was found for the stone marten on this island, and the patterns remained relatively consistent, with predominantly nocturnal activity. Activity levels in winter were significantly higher than in other seasons. Trapping rates were lower in open areas. There was no significant correlation between the independent events and average temperature and relative humidity. The phases of the moon did not influence the number of independent events. This study identifies new perspectives on the locomotor activity of stone martens in a Mediterranean island habitat and serves as a starting point for further research.