Direct and indirect effects of climate and seed dynamics on the breeding performance of a seed predator at the distribution edge.

ABSTRACT: Marginal populations usually have low densities and are considered to be particularly vulnerable to environmental stochasticity. Using data collected in nest boxes, we analyzed the breeding performance of the edible dormouse (Glis glis), an obligate hibernating rodent and a seed predator in deciduous forests, in two populations at the distribution range's edge. Despite being only 20 km apart from each other, Montseny is a large patch of mixed deciduous forests (oaks and beech), whereas Montnegre would be the harshest habitat, that is, a small, isolated patch with only oaks. First, we studied the differences in climate and tree cover change in the two populations. Second, we analyzed the direct and indirect roles of local climate conditions and seed availability on breeding performan

SUBMITTER: Oro D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11327614 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature