Characteristics of habitats of Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans L.) and their current state in the eastern part of the Belarusian Lake Region
https://doi.org/10.29235/1029-8940-2026-71-3-239-249
Abstract
This study examines the spatial distribution of Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans L.) habitats in the Be - larusian Lake Region using geographic information systems. The analysis incorporates field survey data collected during 2024–2025 and forest inventory records from 16 study plots. The flying squirrel was consistently recorded on these plots throughout the entire observation period. Twelve sites are located in the Gorodok District and four are in the Vitebsk District. The flying squirrel predominantly inhabits mixed forests of the bog bilberry and wood-sorrel forest types. These forests occur on moist, nutrient-rich soils and are characterized by high site quality (Bonität class I–II) and moderate stand density (0.6–0.8). The mean age of the dominant tree species (aspen, birch, spruce) exceeds 60 years. Their mean age is over 60 years old. Mature aspens aged 70–85 years play a crucial role for the species, providing nesting sites. A positive but weak correlation was found between aspen proportion in stand composition and flying squirrel occurrence (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient rs = 0.30). Surveys were conducted in Liozna and Orsha Districts, where pronounced forest fragmentation occurs. No evidence of P. volans presence was found in these areas, despite certain forest compartments meeting the species’ habitat requirements. The current southern range limit of the Siberian flying squirrel in Belarus is confined to Vitebsk District, where extensive and ecologically resilient forest complexes remain intact.
Supporting agencies: This work was supported by BRFFR project No. B25MP-006 “Determination of the territorial structure of the common flying squirrel population in the Belarusian Poozerie” (2025–2027). The authors also express their gratitude to V. V. Shakun for assistance in processing forest inventory data.
About the Authors
D. V. Novikau
Scientific and Practical Center of the Na- tional Academy of Sciences of Belarus for Bioresources
Belarus
Belarus
Dzmytry V. Novikau – Junior Researcher
27, Akademicheskaya Str., 220072, Minsk
I. A. Kryshchuk
Scientific and Practical Center of the Na- tional Academy of Sciences of Belarus for Bioresources
Belarus
Belarus
Irina A. Kryshchuk – Ph. D. (Biol.), Associate Professor, Leading Researcher
27, Akademicheskaya Str., 220072, Minsk
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