Author(s): Tóth, M., Bárány, A. & Kis, R.
Title: An evaluation of Stone marten (Martes foina) records in the city of Budapest, Hungary
Year: 2009
Volume: 55
Pages: 199-209.
Abstract: A multi-scale investigation into the urbanization process of the stone marten in Budapest was initiated in 1996. Topographic records (n = 214) of stone martens were gathered within the city's administrative area (525 km2) on the basis of questionnaires, correspondence and phone-calls. Earlier studies had pointed out that the occurrence and the diversity of the food-basis of this species does not show a significant relation to the greenness of habitats in Budapest. The aim of our analysis was to search for connections between confirmed records of stone martens and the habitat and structure of patches where they were located. Two main types of patches were defined: green habitat had less than 50% green covering, desert habitat larger/equal than 50%. Overall, the green patches were preferred (67%), although certain desert patches had a relatively high density of sightings. The reason for this might come from compensating factors, such as the structure of buildings, the type of roof or gutter. The multi-storey, old and often neglected houses, sometimes with inner gardens, appear to be excellent hideouts that also provide some nutritive sources. No similar analysis appears to have been carried out to date neither in Budapest nor elsewhere.
Keywords: building, Budapest, occurrence, stone marten, urban
Journal: Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae
Journal abbreviation:
ISSN: 1217-8837
Publisher: Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest
Editor(s): Bakonyi, G., Mahunka, S., Báldi, A., Csuzdi, Cs. & Forró, L.
