GIANT BLIND MOLE RAT (SPALAX GIGANTEUS, RODENTIA, SPALACIDAE) IN STAVROPOL TERRITORY: DISTRIBUTION, NUMBER, AND LIMITING FACTORS

摘要

The results and analysis of the materials obtained during field research in the eastern part of Stavropol region in 2011-2014 are considered. The critical assessment of some literary data on the distribution of the giant blind mole rat was made. The current number of the animal is evaluated; its habitats and limiting factors of its distribution are described. Giant blind mole rat prefers areas of fixed sands of eastern Stavropol region, where the number and distribution are uneven and determined by the existence and preservation of suitable biotopes. The total area occupied by this rodent within the territory studied is about 2300 km(2). The densest settlements of giant blind mole rat were found in the northern part of Irgaklinsky sands.