Mice of the genus Sylvaemus (Rodentia, Muridae) in Mykolaiv Oblast (Ukraine)

Abstract

A revision of species composition of the genus Sylvaemus in the territory of Mykolaiv Oblast (Ukraine) was carried out. The occurrence of three species was conformed: S. sylvaticus, S. tauricus, and S. uralensis. The species S. arianus was not found in the Kinburn Peninsula. Morphological features, aspects of ecology and biology of the species are given. Sylvaemus sylvaticus dominates in woods and shrubs, S. uralensis prevails in open habitats, and S. tauricus is a non-abundant species occurring only in the forest-steppe zone. The breeding season has only one peak in July. The dependence of the main morphometric features from the age was examined. The most important features revealed are the length of foot (Pl) and ear (Au). Tail length (Ca) has the lowest diagnostic value.