RADIO TELEMETRY OF THE SIBERIAN FLYING SQUIRREL (PTEROMYS VOLANS L.) IN THE SOUTHWEST OF THE ARKHANGELSK REGION: THE FIRST RESULTS

Abstract

Radio telemetry of the Siberian flying squirrels was organized for the first time in the territory of Russia during the winter period in 2012-2013 in the Southwest of the Arkhangelsk region (N61 СШ5'09" E040°14'46"). The sizes of winter individual sites of dwelling (3.66 hectares), the average distance of the male flying squirrel from the shelter during the night (49.4 ± 35.3 m, n = 78) and the maximum removal during the rut (1282 m) are revealed. The structure of habitats in the action area, available (in a radius of 100 m from the shelters) and adjacent territories (at a distance of 100-150 m from the shelters), and in the survey area is studied. It is established that the flying squirrel is very selective in choosing the habitats. Mixed spruce-dominated forests (of 65 and 100 years) prevailed in the action area and available territories. The flying squirrel avoided birch-dominated forests, middle-aged forests, young growths, open habitats and forests damaged by felling.

Keywords

• siberian flying squirrel
• radio telemetry
• individual site of dwelling
• structure of habitats