Biotopical Expansion of Small Mammals in the Steppe Zone of the Zavolzhye

Abstract

The current status of the species composition, abundance, and expansion of small mammals in various habitats of the steppe zone of the Saratov Zavolzhye is examined. An almost complete similarity of the species composition of small mammals in natural habitats and anthropogenically transformed territories is displayed. A typical feature of the population of Zavolzhye steppe zone is the high population density of the small wood mouse (Sylvaemus uralensis). In addition, there has been an increase in recent years in the num-ber of steppe species: the steppe lemming (Lagurus lagurus) and the northern mole vole (Ellobius talpinus). The highest species diversity is observed in the deposits of various stages of succession.