Spatial Variability of Resident and Nonresident Populations of Small Mammals on a Forest Plot

Abstract

Abstract—The resident population density and the numbers of nonresident common shrew (Sorex araneus), Laxmann’s shrew (S. caecutiens), and the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) on an experimental forest plot (10 lines of 50 live traps each 7.5 m apart in a trapping region area of 20 ha) have been estimated. The capture-mark–recapture method with eight repetitions over three years was applied. A random spatial distribution pattern of the resident individuals of all the species across both the entire plot and each trap line has been identified. The accuracy of estimating the animal density and the activity of nonresident animals depends on the line lengths; in addition, the lines composed of 100 and 200 traps can characterize the assumptions to be satisfied (Cv ≈ 30%) and to be fully satisfied (Cv ≈ 20%), respectively, in terms of the entire land area. The data on the direct population density measurements for the entire land plot correspond to the data collected over the lines.