Distribution of mammals in boreal forests of European Russia: Historical and ecological analysis based on materials in the General Land Survey

Abstract

Historical changes in the distribution of animals on the European territory of Russia attract constant interest of specialists. In this aspect, information contained in the Economic Notes to the General Land Survey of the Russian Empire (18th–19th centuries) is of particular importance. This article presents the first results of a data analysis of mammalian fauna in boreal forests of European Russia. The data are contained in a systematic sample arranged on the basis of the Economic Notes and cover 7 governorates, 32 uyezds, and 377 specific dachas. Mentions of 1774 mammals were found: 21 names of mammals (species), 10 families, and 5 orders. For some species that are most typical and significant for boreal forests, we conducted a comparison with the present situation based on known data about historical changes in environmental conditions in the study area.