Structure and diversity of small mammal communities of lowland forests in the rural central European landscape (case study from the Czech Republic)

0374440 - ÚBO 2012 FR eng A - Abstract
Suchomel, J. - Purchart, L. - Čepelka, L. - Heroldová, Marta
Structure and diversity of small mammal communities of lowland forests in the rural central European landscape (case study from the Czech Republic).
ECM 2011. VIth EuropeanCongress of Mammalogy. Paris: Université P. et M. Curie, 2011 - (Denys, C.). s. 57
[European Congress of Mammalogy /7./. 19.07.2011-23.07.2011, Paris]
R&D Projects: GA MZe QH72075
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60930519
Keywords : small mammals * lowland forests
Subject RIV: EG - Zoology
http://www.alphavisa.com/ecm2011/pdf/ECM2011-Abstract_Book.pdf

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of selected forest community types on the structure and diversity of small terrestrial mammal communities (SMC) in the intensively managed rural landscape of South Moravia. A total of 15 biotope types differing in their tree species composition, stand age, succession stage, herb layer character and composition, potential food supply and management were defined at three research plots. Over four years of monitoring a total of 11 small mammal species of differing associations to forest biotopes were identified, out of which only three were eudominant (D>10%). In general, Apodemus flavicollis (51.5%) was dominant, in fruiting tree stands its abundance amounted to over 80%. Younger stands with a well-developed herb layer were dominated by Myodes glareolus (up to 66%). Seven species were represented by less than 1%. Species diversity and community heterogeneity of individual biotopes were assessed with the help of commonly used indexes. Diversity was significantly higher in early succession sites (plantations), which owing to their small area (< 1 ha) demonstrated the ecotone effect. A significant difference between early and late succession sites was monitored in species richness as well. SMC faunistic similarity in individual biotopes was assessed by cluster analysis and species preferences for individual biotopes were confirmed by multi-factorial analysis. We also attempted to determine indicator small mammal species for individual biotopes. The significance of forest habitats in various succession stages proved to be important.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0207361