ZLV Online

Abstract

The aim of the study is to compare the populations of small mammals in forest tree plantations in different regions and under different conditions (forest vegetation zones – FVZ). Trapping to snap traps took place over 13 days in October 2015. Plots were deployed in regions of the Czech Republic (Beskydy Mts., Jeseníky Mts., Litoměřicko region, Krušné hory Mts.). In total, 578 specimens of small mammals of 11 species were trapped. Four of these species (Apodemus flavicollis, Clethrionomys glareolus, Microtus agrestis, Sorex araneus) were recorded in all regions and made up 65–100% of the trapped animals. The highest number of species, Shannon index and total relative abundances were found in the Litoměřicko region. The richest and the most numerous small mammal community was found in the 2nd FVZ (oak-beech). Among the mountains, Jeseníky Mts. had the lowest number of species but the highest relative abundance of shrews. The lowest population density of small mammals was found in the Beskydy Mts. More than a third of this number consisted of shrews, which is the highest found proportion. The highest relative abundance of voles (genus Microtus) was found in the 7th FVZ (beech-spruce) in the Krušné hory Mts., in the 6th FVZ (spruce-beech) in the Jeseníky Mts. and in the 2nd FVZ in Litoměřicko region. Breeding period of Microtus agrestis was not yet over in the previously mentioned areas. As the genus Microtus causes the highest gnawing damage in plantations, the above mentioned areas were under the highest risk of damage by rodents during last winter.