| Abstrakt: |
A comprehensive investigation of small mammal populations was conducted at the ecological research station situated in Khonin Nuga, located in the upper reaches of the Eroo River within the West Khentey Mountains, spanning a duration of 14 years, from 2000 to 2013. The methodology employed encompassed both pitfall trapping and markrecapture live trapping techniques. The findings documented the presence of seven distinct species, comprising six soricids and one Crocidura. Noteworthy among the soricids were Sorex caecutiens, Sorex daphaenodon, and Sorex isodon, which exhibited the highest levels of abundance, with Sorex roboratus also being frequently captured. Conversely, species such as Sorex minutissimus, Sorex tundrensis, and Crocidura shantungensis were comparatively less abundant, with sporadic or singular occurrences. Estimates of species diversity, derived through the rarefaction method, revealed a species richness of 7, aligning closely with the empirical data amassed throughout the survey period. The analysis further revealed that three predominant shrew species were consistently observed across all major habitats under scrutiny. Specifically, S. caecutiens, S. daphaenodon, and S. isodon exhibited heightened capture rates within the floodplain meadows and both dark and light coniferous forest plots, respectively. Among the less common species, discernible habitat preferences emerged; for instance, S. roboratus demonstrated a propensity for open grass bog plots, while S. minutissimus exhibited a preference for rocky slopes. Additionally, Crocidura shantungensis displayed a predilection for southern steppe slopes. Sparse instances of S. tundrensis were documented within the confines of small floodplain meadows along tributaries of the Eroo River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
