Habitat Fragmentation and its Implications for Abundance of Guenther's Vole in Southeastern Bulgaria (Strandzha Mountain Region)

ABSTRACT

The effect of landscape structure on distribution of the Günthers vole in typical and mostly widespread habitats in the region of Strandja Mountain was studied. In the studied region, which represents the most northeastern part of the range of voles of guentheri group in Europe, general trends in distribution and biotopic adherence of M. g. strandzensisin have been outlined. The established distribution of Microtus guentheri in the studied biotopes revealed the presence of Günther's vole only in wet habitats with hydrophilic vegetation. The established relative numbers of the Günther's vole in natural and semi-natural habitats and agricultural areas under autumn crops determined this species as rare in Strandja region, while in the preferred habitat in natural wet zones along Veleka River it was presented as common species. It was recommended to carry out regular examinations of M. g. strandzensis in the region, focused particularly in clover and wheat fields and their neighbouring roadsides; species numbers in these habitats should be used as indicator of its population state.

Keywords:

• Microtus guentheri strandzensis
• Guenther's vole
• Strandzha Mountain region
• biotopic adherence
• relative numbers