1995/01/12 by Thierry Lodé · 1 citation
Environmental Science · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Wildlife Ecology and Conservation #Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies #Bat Biology and Ecology Studies #Mustela putorius #Predation #Diel vertical migration #Nocturnal #Biology #Zoology #Ecology
paper · doi:10.1111/j.1439-0310.1995.tb00334.x
openalex publication_date 1995/01/12 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/03
Abstract The activity pattern of polecats Mustela putorius L. was studied by radiotracking five males and four females in the wetlands of western France from Jul. 1988 to Mar. 1992. Polecats were nocturnal throughout the year with no differences between males and females. The diel activity remained moderate (31 %). Seasonal food habits were characterized by the exploitation of anurans in spring, while rodents were preyed upon from summer to winter. Seasonal changes in the activity rhythm of polecats appeared synchronized with the activity of the main prey. It is suggested that the activity patterns exhibited in different periods of the year are a result of changes in feeding tactics.