Search

A dataset comprising 6806 records is presented of 17 (of total 24) rodent and insectivore species from the Crimean Peninsula collected during a 35-year period. All records are stored in the Public Mammal Database (Mammals of Russia; http://rusmam.ru/). The density of occurrence points allows visual evaluation of species distribution, even on large-scale maps. Each record contains the species name, locality description, and geographic coordinates, coordinate accuracy, date and author of the record, data source, and the method of species identification.

The atlas presents photographs of various sides of the skull of species belonging to the order Lipotyphla of the fauna of Belarus. The most important craniological features of the species are indicated. Examples of the significance and relationship between external and craniological characters are given. The important aspect of creating photographic databases for prompt exchange of information and visual comparison of samples from different geographic locations in order to study variation is presented. Pathological-anatomical monitoring allows obtaining important information for ecological studies. It is emphasized that morphological analysis of the inner surface of cranial structures will have gain more importance since their changes might indicate different pathologies related to ecological features of the environment. It is also essential that craniological material from raptor pellets can be also involved into such studies.

Aspects of morphological diagnostics of two white-toothed shrews Crocidura are analysed here. C. leucodon and C. suaveolens differ from each other in the main characteristics of external appearance, coloration and linear measurements. Extensive comparative material within the distribution ranges of both species shows that the body length (in mm) of C. leucodon is significantly greater than that of C. suaveolens: correspondingly, 71.2 ± 4.24 and 60.9 ± 5.9, t = 13.6; p < 0.0000. Also the foot length is significantly greater in C. leucodon (the same level of significance). Seven qualitative traits of skull and one trait of mandibles are diagnostic for both modern (collections and pellets) and fossil materials (99 % level of significance). The most informative charactersitics are the shape of zygomatic process, shape of occlusal surface of P4, position of incisive foramen in relation to the anterior margin of I2 and the shape of protuberance on the coronoid process of the mandible.

Detailed report about main items of XVIII theriological workshop in Kazantyp Natural Reserve (Crimea, Ukraine), scientific reports and round tables that took place during this annual meeting of Ukrainian Theriological Society.