rodents

This article examines the spatial and temporal dynamics of the abundance and species diversity of small mammals in the Kumysnaya Polyana nature park. The aim of this study was to identify patterns in the spatial and temporal dynamics of the small mammals in the Kumysnaya Polyana nature park. Temperate forest ecosystems show a high population density of small mammals, especially the bank vole (M. glareolus) and the yellow-necked wood mouse (S. flavicollis), which is associated with favourable conditions for their existence.

Previously we proposed a new reconnaissance method for estimating the total abundance of small mammals in urban areas. The method includes placing plastic bottles with bait inside equal distances apart. In this research we examined two ways to improve the method: using bottles of smaller volume (0,25 liters instead of 0,5 liters) to increase the ergonomics and using opaque bottles to make them more attractive for animals. Bigger and smaller bottles with neck diameter of 38 mm were fastened in pairs which were set in a transect with a fi ve-meter spacing.