1 Introduction ................................................. 9
1.1 Population dynamics ..................................... 9
1.2 Population cycles - causes and analysis ................ 10
1.3 The role of specialised predators ...................... 15
1.4 The aim of the study ................................... 17
2 Description of studied species .............................. 18
3 Study area .................................................. 20
4 Seasonal and multi-annual population dynamics and
population structure of the root vole in Biebrza National
Park ........................................................ 25
4.1 Material and methods ................................... 25
4.2 Results ................................................ 27
4.2.1 Multi-annual population dynamics ................ 27
4.2.2 The Chitty effect - biological indicator of
the population cycles ........................... 37
4.3 Discussion ............................................. 40
5 The role of avian predation in population dynamics of the
root vole ................................................... 43
5.1 Material and methods ................................... 43
5.1.1 Analysis of raptors' impact on root vole
population ...................................... 43
5.1.2 Experimental exclusion of the avian predation ... 44
5.2 Results ................................................ 46
5.2.1 Relationship between frequency of raptors'
visits and root vole population dynamics ........ 46
5.2.2 Findings from exclusion experiment .............. 49
5.3 Discussion ............................................. 68
6 The role of small mustelids in population dynamics of the
root vole ................................................... 74
6.1 Material and methods ................................... 74
6.1.1 Analysis of small mustelids' impact on root
vole population ................................. 74
6.1.2 Experimental exclusion of small mustelids'
predation ....................................... 80
6.2 Results ................................................ 81
6.2.1 Relationship between small mustelids and root
vole population density ......................... 81
6.2.2 Importance of small mustelids' predation on
root vole population ............................ 85
6.2.3 Findings from exclusion experiment .............. 88
6.3 Discussion ............................................. 99
7 Summary .................................................... 105
8 Conclusions and implications ............................... 108
The impact of predation on small rodent population dynamics
as exemplified by the root vole (Microtus oeconomus).
Summary ....................................................... 109
References .................................................... 111
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