The feeding peculiarities of the Mustelidae family on the territory of the Lviv region

Abstract

Analysis of the feeding of some species of the Mustelidae and peculiarities of their feeding by seasons on the territory of the Lviv region has been made on the basis of recent three-year observations. The obtained results indicate that the diet of the family Mustelidae species (Mustella nivalis, M. erminea, M. putorius, Martes foina, M. martes, Meles meles, Lutra lutra) consists of plant (35%) and animal (65%) feed. Vertebrates, in the diet of the studied species, are represented by mammals − 8 species. Remains of the rodent Microtus arvalis are most commonly recorded (25%). Among the plant feed, dry fruit predominate (55%). The composition of juicy fruit (45%) includes the fruits of six species of plants. M. foina consumes more vegetable feed (47%). Due to this, it is more adapted to the urboecosystems. In the diet of M. nivalis, M. putorius and Lutra lutra the main role is played by vertebrates – more than 70%. Due to the small sample, the seasonal features of the feeding were found only for stone marten. It has been determined that in autumn M. foina is feeding mainly by plants − 55%, and in a less degree by animals – only 45%. However, the interesting fact is that in winter, in the diet of M. foina, vegetative feeds (of antropogenic character) prevail (60%), and in the spring period vertebrates are predominant (75%), and plant remains are not registered. It has been found that M. nivalis gives preference to animal feeds, in all seasons vertebrate animals make up a significant proportion of its ration.