Territorial behaviour of Talpa romana in an olivegrove habitat in central Italy

Abstract The territorial behaviour of a population of Talpa romana in an olivegrove habitat of central Italy was investigated through radiotelemetric techniques. Data collected on nine moles tracked from April 1992 to May 1993 were compared with a previous study in a pasture habitat. Results indicate a higher concentration of animals per unit area in the olivegrove with respect to the pasture, and a higher degree of spatial overlap of home ranges. This evidence suggests a higher tolerance of animals toward their conspecifics, likely due to a higher concentration of food resources in the olivegrove. Overlap was not observed in core areas, which appear more parceled out with respect to the pasture habitat. Location of home ranges and core areas shift throughout the year, as moles likely move from food exploited areas to new unexploited ones.