Small Mammal Diversity in the Beskydy Mts. Forest Ecosystems Subject to Different Forms of Management

The small terrestrial mammal community was studied in selected areas of the Beskydy Mts. in 2005--2011. The monitoring was conducted with the help of snap traps placed in lines at eight selected forest habitats at various stages of succession and subject to different forms of management. A total of 987 specimens of small terrestrial mammals in 16 species were captured over the course of the monitoring period. Apodemus flavicollis (D=45%) and Myodes glareolus (D=26%), which were found at all monitored plots, manifested the highest abundance. Muscardinus avellanarius, Sorex alpinus, Glis glis, Sicista betulina and Neomys anomalus occurred rarely to sporadically. Generally the highest number of species (n=10) was determined in plantations with a well-developed grass cover, while the lowest number was found in a mature spruce forest (n=3). The highest small mammal diversity was monitored in primary forest reserves, whereas mature even-aged production forests showed the lowest diversity. Differences in diversity between identical habitat types (plantations) located at various altitudes were determined as well. The results obtained indicate the importance of habitat diversity, with respect to the habitats' management, succession development and environmental factors, for the small mammal diversity in the Beskydy Mts. This conclusion is supported by the diversity dynamics related to habitats and also the monitored high number of species (n=16).