Nature Conservation Research: Заповедная наука (Jul 2018)
A case study of the edible dormouse (Glis glis: Gliridae, Rodentia) biology using nestboxes
Abstract
In the Middle-Volga Integrated Biosphere Reserve, studies of dormice have been conducted for 15 years. In 2016, 200 nestboxes for the edible dormouse (Glis glis) study were established. In this paper, the process of occupation of nestboxes is considered, and a comparison of the methods of dormice censuses in artificial nests and capture by live-traps, as well as the first results obtained, are presented. During two years of the research, nestboxes served as temporary or permanent shelters for both individuals and litters. The proportion of nestboxes found occupied was almost unchanged and amounted to 28% in 2016 and 27% in 2017. Sharp differences in the sex ratio of individuals captured in nestboxes were noted. In the first year of installation of nestboxes, adult males were almost twice more numerous than females (1.9:1). In the next year, in the sex ratio a slight predomination of females was observed (1:1.26). Reproduction was observed in both years. Based on the weighing data of juveniles, the periodisation of the breeding season was established. During the censuses in nestboxes, two types of nests were revealed. Censuses in artificial nests also caused the capture of 6 individuals of the forest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula), a rare species for the reserve territory, which was seen here for the last time in 2005. In general, the method of study of dormice in nestboxes allows capturing of about half of the number of individuals in comparison with census by live-traps, but it makes possible to evaluate a number of aspects of the species biology. From our point of view, it is more suitable for monitoring of the rodents of the Dormice family in specially protected territories due to a greater information rate and the possibility of using high-technology equipment for research.
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