Iranian Journal of Applied Ecology

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Gholami F, Malekian M, Ahmadi M. Factors Affecting the Den Site Selection of the Indian Grey Mongoose (Urva edwardsii) in Isfahan City. Iranian Journal of Applied Ecology 2025; 13 (3) :63-75
URL: http://ijae.iut.ac.ir/article-1-1250-en.html

Non-native species, whether introduced intentionally or accidentally, can threaten native populations, sometimes leading to their extinction. This study, conducted in spring 2014, aimed to examine the factors influencing the den site selection of the Indian gray mongoose, a non-native species, in Isfahan and its suburbs. Through field surveys and existing reports, active dens were identified, and environmental variables including vegetation cover, landform, man-made structures, waste presence, water resources, and agricultural lands were measured. In addition to 30 identified dens, 30 absence points were recorded, and all the environmental variables were measured at these locations. Den presence was then modeled using a Generalized Linear Model (GLM). Results indicated that water resources and agricultural lands significantly influenced den site selection, while other variables showed no significant differences between presence and absence points. Findings suggest that urban expansion and human-induced changes have contributed to the presence of the Indian gray mongoose in Isfahan. Understanding the factors shaping its den site selection and presence in Isfahan City can help to design effective management strategies for this species in urban environments.