| Alternative Title |
Κατανομή, δραστηριότητα, μορφολογικοί και μορφομετρικοί χαρακτήρες των θηλαστικών Erinaceus concolor nesiotes, Mustela nivalis galinthias, Martes foina bunites, Meles meles arcalus, Felis silvestris cretensis στην Κρήτη |
| Abstract |
Distribution as well as preliminary elements of ecology and population status, in particular activity, altitudinal range and relative abundance of all the small carnivores (Mustela nivalis galinthias, Martes foina bunites, Meles meles arcalus, Felis silvestris cretensis) and the hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor nesiotes) were investigated in Crete. This study is presented in four chapters. The first is a general introduction about carnivores and insectivores. It also includes a short introduction of the systematics, actual taxonomy of each studied species and a brief review of the taxonomic history of the Cretan forms. In this chapter the presence of the studied species in the fossil record on the island and a brief overview of Crete' natural environment are also included. Chapter two regards the materials and methods used. The study was carried out using data from bibliography and new data from direct and indirect methods of sampling. The direct methods include phototrapping and the collection of dead specimens while indirect indices of presence consisted of collection of feces, tracks and other signs. More emphasis is given to the phototrap method because this is a relatively new method, used for the first time in Crete, after being redesigned for our purposes. In third chapter the results from the different methods applied are considered separately, as they will be viewed individually in the chapter dedicated to the discussion on each studied species. Where relevant, or possible, statistical analyses are used to confirm the validity and significance of results. In chapter four the results are discussed, especially those relating to the body and cranial measurements and coat-colour patterns observed on the animals. The species studied in this research seem to have different body sizes when compared to those of continental Europe. Until more samples are acquired, it is only possible to speak about probable trends. The hedgehog, the beech marten and the badger were found to be smaller than the average size found in continental European specimens, while the weasel and the wildcat of Crete, which have a more strictly carnivorous diet, seem to be larger forms. These evolutionary tendencies are discussed and compared with those found on other islands and in other nearby regions. These trends could have several explanations relating to insularity, ecological factors and human transportation. Morphological patterns are also pointed out, such as the evident and always present throat patch of the beech marten, in contrast to that affirmed by many authors. During the course of this study, the wildcats specimens analysed suggest that the taxon is situated in between the ranges of European and African phenotypes. The systematics of the Cretan wildcat still remain unclear. The distribution in Crete is analysed on the basis of the results from fieldwork, phototrapping and the bibliography for both past and current presence. During the phototrap period all five species investigated were phototrapped. Differences were found in the number of pictures of each species depending on the altitudinal range, seasonal variation and time. Weasels were the most common visitors at low altitudes and they were always trapped during daylight, while beach martens were present in all the altitudinal categories and as well as the hedgehog also show nocturnal activity. The presence of the hedgehog at an altitude over 1000 m was reported for the first time, in contrast to that affirmed in previous reports from Crete. Badgers were phototrapped in two altitudinal ranges, though there were only a few photographs, possibly as a result of the unsuitability of bait which was aimed at carnivores. The wildcat was only found over 1000m. Activity graphs are also presented for each species showing differences depending on the season, especially winter and summer time. All the information collected during this research is accompanied by comparisons with other large Mediterranean islands, both on the morphology of the species and the synthesis of the fauna. Finally a critical review of the method is included in the final section of the discussion.
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Distribution, activity morphological and morphometrical characters of Erinaceus concolor nesiotes, Mustela nivalis galinthias, Martes foina bunites, Meles meles arcalus, Felis silvestris cretensis in Crete
