Landscape Characteristics Affecting Small Mammal Occurrence in Heterogeneous Olive Grove Agro-Ecosystems

Understanding how small mammals (SM) are associated with environmental characteristics in olive groves is important to identify potential threats agriculture and assess the overall conservation value functioning of agro-ecosystems. Here, we provide first insights on this topic applied traditional northeast (NE) Portugal by assessing landscape attributes that determine SM occurrence, focusing one species concern (Microtus cabrerae Thomas 1906) often perceived as a pest olives lusitanicus Gerbe 1879). Based genetic non-invasive sampling 51 surrounding habitats, identified seven rodent insectivore. Occupancy modelling indicated were generally less detected within than habitats. The vulnerable M. reached mean occupancy (95% CI) 0.77 (0.61–0.87), while stood at 0.37 (0.24–0.52). was more likely occur land mosaics high density agricultural field edges, pastureland patches. Overall, our study suggests complex structure spatial heterogeneity traditionally managed grove agro-ecosystems may favor occurrence species-rich communities, possibly including well-established populations importance, keeping relatively low rates.