The great jerboa (Allactaga major) in the North Azov Region (Ukraine): distribution and abundance

Abstract

The analysis of the species historical spread in Ukraine was conducted. The dependence of preservation of its localities on the availability of more or less large areas of virgin steppe unsuitable for arable farming was showed. The original data for the past 20 years on the great jerboa’s distribution within the Northern Pryazovia were reported, as well as the conditions of existence of its stable populations in the Azov Upland area. The reasons of further reduction in number and fragmentation of its range are the destruction of virgin steppe because of plowing and afforestation, alongside with increasing the projective vegetation cover due to reduce of grazing. To protect jerboa and other rare steppe species we proposed moratorium on plowing and other kinds of destruction of the virgin steppe and creation of a new environmental legislation on conservation, restoration and sustainable use of the steppe, the National Heritage of Ukraine