ZLV Online

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to evaluate the significance of linear strips of woody vegetation (biocorridors) in the agricultural landscape for the populations of mammals. Data on their occurrence were obtained using camera traps that were installed in 14 biocorridors in selected locations in South Moravia (Czech Republic). Data collection took place from October 2020 to June 2022. A total of 40 camera traps were used, which captured over 49,000 images of 16 species. The largest percentage was represented by roe deer (57%), followed by European hare (14%) and fallow deer (11%). Of the 16 species mentioned, 10 were found mainly at night. With the onset of winter (December–February), the nocturnal occurrence of the species in the biocorridors gradually decreased and increased in the morning hours. The phase of the day, the season, the character of the vegetation, the size and shading of the biocorridor had a significant influence on the spatiotemporal occurrence of mammals. Biocorridors proved to be an important landscape element especially in terms of the occurrence of smaller predators and common habitat generalists such as roe deer and hare. Both species used biocorridors very intensively, so can significantly support the survival of their populations in agricultural landscapes.