Theriologia Ukrainica (Dec 2022)
Distribution limits of the European mole (Talpa europaea) in the south of Right-Bank Ukraine
Abstract
The distribution range of the European mole (Talpa europaea) in the studied region has been presented differently in scientific publications that cover over 180 years of investigation. The current understanding of the species range also varies. Based on museum collections, literature data, own observations and personal communication of colleagues, we specify the border of the species range in the south of Right-bank Ukraine (mainly in the steppe zone). Original data were collected in the course of ornithological surveys in 2016–2021. Other data concern records of the species in 1900–2021; 21 records are confirmed by the collected specimens and 5 by photos. In addition, we list the palaeozoological records of the species. The analysis of data demonstrates that T. europaea in the study area (on the border of its range) is distributed unevenly. It is present along river valleys and forests in Bessarabia and in the Danube Delta and its tributaries (Odesa Oblast, Ukraine). Nearby is located a large enclave of the species in interfluve of the Prut and Dnister rivers (Moldova). From the forest-steppe, where the species is common, it penetrates the steppe zone along river valleys: the Southern Bug (Mykolayiv Oblast) and the Ingulets (Kirovohrad Oblast) and their tributaries. This is confirmed by both previous and recent records. Along the Dnipro River, south of Dnipro City, only palaeozoological records of the species are known (only from Dnipropetrovsk Oblast). In Kherson Oblast, no records of the species are known. The analysis of previous and recent finds of the species allows suggesting that T. europaea has been occurring in the study area for long time. The current climatic conditions, however, hinder the further expansion of the species in the region and/or the increase in its population density within the current range. The statement about the wide distribution of the species in the study area, which appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, in our opinion is based on interviewing data and confusion. The word ‘kroty’ (Ukrainian common name of T. europaea in plural) has been used to name not only T. europaea, but also Nannospalax leucodon, Spalax zemni, and Ellobius talpinus. Additional surveys along river valleys and in forest localities are needed for a more detailed description of the T. europaea distribution in the study region.
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