Results of a 30-years-long investigation of small mammals in Crimea. Part 1. Introduction, fauna composition, ranges

Abstract

The present paper deals with the final results of a 30 years-long research of the small mammal’s fauna in the Crimean peninsula, including data on history of investigations within the region as well as on the species’ geographical ranges (in form of maps with dots that indicate the catching points of species). It also contains information concerning the analysis of micromammalian faunal assemblages in the peninsula considering the latest changes in the systematics. During the period of investigation, 627’500 trap-nights were processed and 63’000 small mammals were collected. In addition, we have also processed 14’000 pellets of raptors (mainly pellets of Asio otus) identifying osteological remains of about 31’000 individuals of different rodent and shrew species. It was discovered that the current terrestrial small mammalian fauna (Micromammalia) consists of 19 species of insectivores (Insectivora, family Soricidae — 4 species of 3 genera) and rodents (Rodentia — 14 species of 8 genera). The species distribution in different natural zones and biotopes of the Crimean peninsula was studied along with their ectoparasites and role in functioning of natural foci of viral and bacterial infections.

Keywords

• fauna
• small mammals
• rodents
• shrews
• geographical ranges
• Crimea