Finds of rare and non-abundant species of small mammals in the territory of Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine

Abstract

Eight of the eleven expected rare and non-abundant species of small mammals were recorded in the studied territory: Crocidura suaveolens, Sorex minutus, Neomys fodiens, Dryomys nitedula, Cricetulus migratorius, Terricola subterraneus, Micromys minutus, and Mus spicilegus. Crocidura suaveolens was found in both dry meadows and floodplain biotopes, and it was also recorded nearby to field-protective plantations and human settlements. Sorex minutus was also more common in dry meadows and in floodplain biotopes. Neomys fodiens is a typical floodplain endemic. Dryomys nitedula was more common in oak forests and it is prone to synanthropy. Cricetulus migratorius was found in steppe areas and near fields of agricultural crops. Terricola subterraneus was recorded only in a dry maple-linden oak forest. Micromys minutus prefers floodplain biotopes. Mus spicilegus was found on agricultural crops and in steppe areas.