schoonbeek, karsten (2026) Stoat Abundance and Habitat Preferences in the Northern Netherlands: Effects of Prey, Predators, and Landscape Features. Master's Research Project 1, Biology.
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Abstract
Small mustelids such as the stoat (Mustela erminea) are thought to be declining across Europe due to habitat loss and agricultural intensification. In the Netherlands, the stoat is listed as Vulnerable, but knowledge of its habitat use and population trends is limited because the species is elusive and monitoring methods vary widely. Stoats typically inhabit wet grassland and marsh habitats and use linear landscape elements, such as tall vegetation, to reduce predation risk. As both predator and prey, stoats play a key role in food webs. This study assessed stoat abundance and environmental drivers in two agricultural meadowbird grasslands in the north of the Netherlands: Soarremoarre (SM) and Zuidlaardermeer (ZM). Species-specific camera traps (Mostelas) and regular camera traps were deployed in late summer 2024 and early spring 2025. Environmental covariates included vegetation height, water level, and vole presence, alongside predator and prey occurrence. Stoat abundance was estimated using Royle–Nichols models, with additional analyses using generalized linear models and Wilcoxon tests. Stoat abundance was generally higher in SM than in ZM, but ZM showed an increase over winter while SM declined, indicating a location–year interaction. Vegetation height was higher in SM, water levels were higher in ZM, and vole presence did not differ significantly between sites. Predator communities differed, with more cats in SM and more foxes in ZM. Results suggest that stoats may be
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master's Research Project 1) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Smit, C. |
| Degree programme: | Biology |
| Thesis type: | Master's Research Project 1 |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 30 Jan 2026 09:28 |
| Last Modified: | 30 Jan 2026 09:28 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/37219 |
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