Two types of using of space in the resident common shrews Sorex araneus L.

The home range of resident animals is considered as 'familiar area' including a 'foraging area.' It has been revealed that the activity of an average animal unit in the 'foraging area' could be approximated by normal distribution. Estimation of activity distribution in the 'familiar area' (beyond the 'foraging area') was impeded by means of marking since it might be difficult to record distant movements, and the method does not provide an essential body of data. In the case of the common shrew Sorex araneus, the 'familiar area' was estimated using pitfall as animals evade them in the known areal. The 'foraging area' radius of the average shrew was taken to be 30 m (95% of the animal unit activity), the radius of 'familiar area' was within the range of 180-240 m. The 'foraging area' was expected to provide the animal with vital resources, and the 'familiar area' reflects its need for exploratory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]