Patrons d’activitat dels grans mamífers a l’entorn de Mas Vidal (Sant Esteve de Guialbes; Pla de l’Estany)

Abstract

The observation of wild mammals is so difficult because they are mostly nocturnal and have wild customs. But you can always improve this detection and observation installing a hide, to approach the wildlife to everyone. This kind of equipment is common in Northern Europe, like England, where gives a good performance and is widely used by all ages. Although in Spain are uncommon these hides, Naturaprop team has committed to the infrastructure installed in Sant Esteve de Guialbes (Pla de l’Estany). Seeing the high levels of carnivores in this hide, we raised the idea of a study the big mammals around the most oriental part of Pla de l’Estany. By photo trapping, we have collected data of the behaviour and the activity of the badger (Meles meles), beech marten (Martes foina), genet (Genetta geneta), fox (Vulpes vulpes) and wild boar (Sus scrofa). Also, to a lesser number, the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and european hare (Lepus europaeus). These data allow us to know the daily and monthly activity patterns, compared to other Palearctic regions, would be influenced by the biology of each specie, potential availability of food, night hours or human activity. Also we tried to determine the specific abundances of this area.

We have been seen that the most mammals studied presented bimodal activity, less opportunistic mammals like foxes and wild boars. A monthly level, each specie follow a different trend, and we think that basically, is due to mating and pregnancy season of the different species. Moreover, the temperature in our latitude is not involved in their activity. In the other hand, specific abundances have been determined, whenever it was possible, with a total of least one badger, one beech marten, two genets, four foxes and least five wild boars. Furthermore, we have seen a remarkable effect of hunting on game species; however the other species don’t presents significant alterations along the sampling process. About feral animals, the cats and dogs observed could have an important position in the competition to get food with wild carnivores