Mammal species diversity in ”Carbuna” landscape reserve, Republic of Moldova

Abstract

The study was conducted based on materials collected in the area during the years 2015-2021. 28 species of mammals were identified. 4 species are included in the Red Book of the Republic of Moldova. The value of the margin effect index in the meadow biotope is 0.12, and in the forest one - 0.32. The share of rodents according to the predilection for the biotope is for the meadow -21.4%, ecotone - 35.4% and forest 43.2%. During the spring the values of the Simpson index in the studied biotopes are for meadow 0.23, ecoton - 0.35 and forest 0.29, and in the autumn period, there was a considerable increase of this index, the diversity being respectively 0.58; 0.81; 0.73. A decrease in the mammalian diversity index has been established over the last 10 years from 1.67 to 1.36. Due to the dangers and unfavorable factors for the reservation, it is necessary to mention the cutting of the secular forests, the poaching, the cutting of the scurvy trees, the clearing of the forest edge, the destruction of the vegetal agglomerations. Excessive grazing will significantly damage the maintenance of stateprotected species. The protection of various species of rare plants and animals taken under the protection of the state is related to the maintenance and limitation of the management activities of the forest and steppe sectors. The ”Carbuna” landscape reserve is of particular importance for the conservation of biological diversity, and measures to protect its habitats need to be intensified.