Transformation of soil by digging mammals in ecosystems of the upper Dniester basin

Abstract

Data discussed in the paper concern the role of digging mammals in soil formation processes in mountain ecosystems within the Upper Dniester Beskydy area. Paper describes the activity of Talpa europaea L. and Sus scrofa L. in mountain ecosystems during vegetation period (2–57 % mounds and rooted sites), the amount of soil taken away or moved as well (0.08 – 8.6 m3/ha soil), as chemical composition of mounds and rooted sites (рН 3.95–4.10). Data are provided on mounds and rooted sites becoming overgrown by vegetation. It was found that transformation activity of digging mammals is the basis for forming various soil properties in natural and antropogenically changed ecosystems of the Carpathian middle mountains. Furthermore, a degree of influence of digging mammals’ activity in the upper Dniester basin depends on the type of biotope and its state. Moreover, an objective assessment of digging activity of digging mammals’ is necessary for studying of consequences of such digging in different biotopes of mountain ecosystems and for elaboration of effective economic and nature protection measures aimed at rational use of environment creation activity of these animals.

Keywords

• talpa europaea l.
• sus scrofa l.
• transformational activity
• digging mammals
• rooted sites