Fragmentation of Habitats in Two Dormouse Species (Gliridae, Rodentia) and Protection of Biodiversity of Broad-leaved Forests in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast

Abstract

Little is known about the distribution of dormouse species in the Middle Volga region. The habitats of the Edible Dormouse Glis glis L. and the Hazel Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius L. are fragmented and mainly lost in the agricultural landscape of the right bank of the Volga River and in the coniferous forests of the right bank of the Lower Oka River in Nizhny Novgorod oblast. New data are given of features of the habitats of two sympatric dormouse species from a patch of a lime–oak forest surrounded by coniferous forests. Within the area studied, 80 wooden nestboxes were put up in places with well-connected tree canopies and well-developed understory. Over the three years of our study (2016–2018), preliminary data were obtained on the dynamics of nestbox use and the relative abundance and reproduction of both dormouse species. The patch of the lime–oak forest with an area of approximately 20 ha is divided into two parts by a road and a 50 m-wide glade. Both parts did not differ in vegetation, but the Edible Dormouse was found only in the southern part. The Hazel Dormouse was found throughout the whole lime–oak patch, except for woodplot no. 1 (1.5 ha), which was occupied by the Edible Dormice with a high density. On the basis of the data obtained, management actions are suggested to raise the level of connectivity and immigration in the population of isolated broad-leaved patches in coniferous forests, in particular, to develop a network of “key habitats.”