The Cyclicity in the Dynamics of Different Populations of the Common Shrew

Abstract

Abstract—Different populations of the Common shrew (Sorex araneus) were analyzed with regard to multiyear cycles of population fluctuations typical for the species. We presented data on long-term observations in Akademgorodok (Novosibirsk) and Rovenskoe village (Central Baraba). We also used published data on long-term observations from the European and East Siberian range of the shrew populations. This work attempts to develop a general idea on the cyclicity in multiyear population number dynamics of the Common shrew, invariant and variable in different geographical locations. The data series were analyzed using spectral analysis. The main cycles in this species are 10–15, five to seven, three to four, and two to three3 years, however the amplitude of the cycles varied by region. To maintain population cyclicity, synchronization with local rhythms similar in parameters is important: geomagnetic activity, depth of soil freezing, thickness of snow cover, and watering of the territory.