Living on the edge: Heterogeneity in vegetation type cover as key factor of the habitat occupied by Dolichotis patagonum at landscape scale

Abstract

There is an urgent need to characterize the relationships between endangered species and their habitats in response to the accelerating pace of habitat transformation by humans. Mara (Dolichotis patagonum) is a large rodent endemic to the Argentine semi-deserts. It has been classified as “Near Threatened” by IUCN mainly as the result of habitat loss. There is contradictory evidence about the impact of human activities on mara and further information is needed to develop effective conservation strategies. We describe the main environmental factors, both natural and human, that are associated with warren presence as an indicator of the habitat selected by maras at the landscape scale. Habitat selected by maras was characterized by a high proportion of bare soil, low β diversity, open herbaceous steppe, and proximity to fences. The relationship of warren presence to the proportion of shrubby steppe in the broader landscape was variable across environments being positive in grasslands, and negative in shrubbier habitats. This supports the hypothesis that mara's preference for open areas depends on the level of shrubs in the surrounding habitat. As a result, conservation efforts will need to be tailored to the amount and structure of vegetation in any given area.