Lešo P., Lešová A., Kropil R., Kanuch P., 2016. Response of the dominant rodent species to close-to-nature logging practices in a temperate mixed forest. Ann. For. Res. 59(1): 259-268.Abstract. The paper aims to answer the question whether differences exist in microhabitat preferences of the yellow-necked mouse and the bank vole between the natural forest and close-to-nature managed forest in the phase of stand regeneration. The two species were live-trapped during two periods in 2006 and 2007 on a square trapping grid established in a managed forest and a natural one. Ten microhabitat variables of each trapping point were measured to analyse their influence on the spatial distribution of the two species. At trapping points, the number of capture records for each species as a dependent variable was modelled using Generalised Linear Models. The herbal cover and a distance to the nearest woody debris were the most important measured microhabitat variables which affect the spatial distribution of both species. In the natural forest, the number of captures in both species increased significantly (p < 0.05) with a decreasing number of trees, increasing undergrowth coverage and decreasing distance to the nearest woody debris. In the managed forest, an increasing distance to the nearest tree and increasing herbal cover had a negative effect on the yellow-necked mouse occurrence (p < 0.001), while in contrast, the increase in values of the same variables increased frequency of occurrence of the bank vole (p < 0.001). Moreover, the bank vole was more frequent in the presence of woody debris (p < 0.002). The study demonstrated clearly that these species modify their spatial activity depending on the management of the woodland.

Differences in abundance and spatial distribution of small terrestrial mammals were compared between the forest interior and clearing. In total, seven micromammalian species were detected. Of them, only three species were captured within the forest interior, whereas six species were recorded on the clearing. Apodemus flavicollis and Clethrionomys glareolus were dominant species. Another five species were recorded scarcely. Abundance of Apodemus flavicollis reached significantly (P < 0.001) the highest value in the forest interior. On the contrary, Clethrionomys glareolus was significantly (P < 0.001) attracted by the clearing. The distribution of two dominant rodent species probably reflected the high beechnut supply in the given period. The relationships between food supply and microhabitat preferences of Apodemus flavicollis and Clethrionomys glareolus were discussed.

In the past, the European ground squirrel represented a common part of Slovakian fauna. During the 20th century, there was a substantial decrease in its number, mainly due to the intensification of agriculture. Currently, several programs focused on the recovery and preservation of ground squirrel colonies have been implemented. The aim in supporting the population of the European ground squirrel is to increase the number of birds of prey and to ensure a food base for them. In this paper, we focus on evaluating the success rate of European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) management measures. The research was realized at two localities in the Protected Bird Area Slovenský kras (Hrhov and Gemerská Hôrka) in the years 2015–2018. Activities were focused on the management of grassland and supplemental feeding during the breeding period. As a result of the management measures and the supplemental feeding, we managed to maintain a positive trend in the populations’ development, as there was an increase observed in all the monitored seasons.

Since the first occurrence of the Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca) in Slovakia in 1993, a significant increase in its abundance has been recorded, until end of 2019 as many as 103 observation records were found, from year 2007 several new records appear almost annually. The first breeding was confirmed in 2014, next two cases in 2015 and 2017. In 2019, the fourth breeding was documented in the city of Bratislava-at the Kuchajda lake, with recorded agonistic behaviour against Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). Further spread of the Egyptian Goose, considered an invasive species in the EU, is envisaged also in Slovakia. Possible negative influence of the species on autochthonous avifauna is discussed.