Ecosystem engineering by foxes is mediated by the landscape context-A case study from steppic burial mounds.

ABSTRACT: In intensively used landscapes, remnant grassland fragments are often restricted to places unsuitable for agricultural cultivation. Such refuges are the ancient burial mounds called "kurgans," which are typical landscape elements of the Eurasian steppe and forest steppe zone. Due to their hill-like shape, loose soil structure and undisturbed status kurgans provide proper habitats for burrowing mammals. Accordingly, grassland vegetation on kurgans is often exposed to bioturbation, which can influence the habitat structure and plant species pool. In our study, we explored the effect of fox burrows and landscape context on the habitat properties and vegetation composition of small landscape elements, using kurgans as model habitats. We surveyed the vegetation of fox burrows and that of the su

SUBMITTER: Godo L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6065349 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature