Home-range size and habitat selection by American marten ( Martes americana) in Labrador

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Smith, Adam C, Schaefer, James A
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 2002
• Subjects: American marten; Martes americana
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z02-166; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z02-166

Variation in home-range size can be related to different factors at different spatial scales. This study examined the patterns of home-range size and habitat selection of American marten (Martes americana) in southeastern Labrador, a region of extensive and pristine forests. Over 1.5 years, we monitored 28 radio-collared marten and compared the availability of habitat types with their use. Marten avoided areas with low productivity and low canopy cover (<20%) but showed no selection for tree species composition or cover among more productive forests. Mean home ranges for both sexes (males, 45.0 km 2 females, 27.6 km 2 ) were exceptionally large, more than double the largest values previously recorded for the species. We analyzed variation in home-range size at two scales: within our study population and, using data from the literature, among populations across the species range in relation to temperature, snow cover, and body size. Within our population, home-range area was positively related to the proportion of bog and less productive, scrub forests in the home range. Among populations, differences in home-range size were not significantly related to any of the tested factors.