The structure of European small mammal communities

Abstract

For 14 small mammal species in 11 types of habitat dominance and habitat preference are calculated. A distinct structure of the species combination in every type of habitat is found. Most individuals (> 75%) belong to maximal 3 species. Each of these species belongs to a different type of life form (vole-type, mouse-type, shrew-type). The contribution of the other syntopic species typical for a certain habitat is low. If more species of the same type of life form occur in a habitat, they show a distinct difference in body size. Consequently species of the same size replace one another. With such species packing, the small mammal species of a habitat form a structured community. -Author