Distribution and abundance of martens in the Community of Madrid

Habitat selection is essential for the life of animals. Knowing their ecological requirements allows for better management and conservation of the species. This study evaluates how different anthropic and natural variables affect the distribution and abundance of the marten (Martes foina, Erxleben, 1777a) in the Community of Madrid. Sampling was carried out in 90 transects of 1 km, and relative abundance indices were calculated using the frequency of droppings. Using field data and GIS layers, variables were analyzed at two spatial scales and, together with climatic variables, a distribution model (SDM) was generated that places the optimal habitat in the north and southwest of Madrid. General linear models (GLM) showed that marten abundance decreases with anthropogenic factors such as urbanization, linear infrastructure and livestock and increases with certain natural variables, such as scrub and water cover and bobcat abundance, and decreases with others such as grazing.The importance of conserving the marten is emphasized because of its ecological roles as a seed disperser and predator (regulation of populations such as rodents).