Mammal fauna from the Landscape Reserve "La Castel", Republic of Moldova

Abstract

The studies were performed in 2015-2021 in various ecosystems of the Landscape Reserve "La Castel". 45 species of mammals of 7 orders were recorded. The shrew fauna was represented by 4 species, of which one is protected. The bats were represented by 11 species, including 7 protected species. The analysis of the multiannual dynamics of the bat community structure in the Gordinești mines highlighted the dominance of the species M. blythii. During the study years, the number of maternity colony of M. blythii was increasing. Rodent fauna was best represented - 17 species, of which 2 rare. The most favorable habitats for small mammal fauna are riparian biotopes and forest edge. The trophic spectrum of the little owl consisted of 9 taxa. Microtus species dominated by over 50%, followed by genus Mus with about 18% and C. suaveolens with over 15%, other species had a small percentage, between 1.18% -4.71%. Carnivores were represented by 8 species, of which 3 rare species, and artiodactyls – by 2 common species.