Changes in the Occurrence of Uncommon Species of Small Terrestrial Mammals (Eulipotyphla, Rodentia) in the Czech Republic

Abstract

The paper summarizes recent observations of uncommon small terrestrial mammals (Eulipotyphla, Rodentia) in the Czech Republic and compares them with known ranges. In total, 5038 records of 13 species (Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus uralensis, Arvicola amphibius, Crocidura leucodon, Crocidura suaveolens, Glis glis, Micromys minutus, Microtus subterraneus, Muscardinus avellanarius, Neomys fodiens, Neomys milleri, Sicista betulina, and Sorex alpinus) were included. A database was created, including at least date, location, species, and observer for each record. For each species, a list of quadrats (KFME) with confirmed occurrence, along with selected records of the species in a given quadrat (oldest and youngest record, lowest and highest elevation), is included. These data were then compared with existing knowledge. The results show range expansion of thermophilic, steppe, and agricultural landscape species such as Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus uralensis and Crocidura leucodon into areas previously uninhabited by them. On the contrary, Sorex alpinus, one of the most typical mountain species, has not been observed in the southernmost part of its former range for the last 15 years. This study highlights the importance of monitoring the changes in the abundance of all species. These findings are important not only for managing and protecting biodiversity, but also for understanding the impacts of environmental change.