Spatio-temporal monitoring of small mammals populations (Micromammalia) in the mountain landscape (Lapland State Nature Reserve, Murmansk Region)

Abstract

In the Kola Peninsula, the dynamics of small rodents number has been completely studied for a long period since 1936, but without taking into account the vertical distribution of animals. Because of the manifestation of adaptive responses by small mammals to high-altitude ecological differences, it is necessary to assess population fluctuations and study adaptation of individual mammals species in mountains of Kola North. The long-term dynamics and life cycles of the red-gray vole were investigated in the Lapland Nature Reserve with special attention to the vertical vegetation zones and seasons. The inter-annual fluctuations in the species abundance, the ratio of periods and their capacities on the spectra of such fluctuations are revealed.