Records of Lagomorpha and Rodentia (Lepus europaeus, Castor fiber, Sciurus vulgaris) within the territory of Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine, during 2012-2023

Study Extent

Europe, Ukraine, Ukrainian (Kyiv) Polissia, North of Kyiv region, territory of Chornobyl Exclusion Zone (mostly Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve).

Sampling

Occurrences, reported here, were obtained by 2 methods: 1. Direct observation and counting of the Lagomorpha and Rodentia occurrences along casual routes during work trips within the territory of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone by the members of scientific department of the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve. 2. Indirect observation and recording of the Lagomorpha and Rodentia occurrences. Data was gathered and recorded by camera traps installed by the members of the scientific department of the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve within the territory of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. Camera traps were set taking into account migration routes and active areas of the Artiodactyla and Perissodactyla. Therefore, Lagomorpha and Rodentia records gathering was not the main focus. Since 2020, camera traps have been installed according to the advices described in Wearn, Oliver & Glover-Kapfer, Paul. (2017). Camera-trapping for conservation: a guide to best-practices. 10.13140/RG.2.2.23409.17767. Observations were carried out in different seasons and weather conditions.

Method steps

1. Direct observation and recordings of the Lagomorpha and Rodentia occurrences along the casual routes (main and forest roads).
2. Indirect observation and recordings of the Lagomorpha and Rodentia occurrences. Data was gathered and recorded by camera traps installed within the territory of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone.
3. Preparing an occurrence dataset.

1. Chordata
   rank: phylum
2. Castoridae
   rank: family
3. Lagomorpha
   rank: order
4. Rodentia
   rank: order
5. Mammalia
   rank: class
6. Animalia
   rank: kingdom
7. Leporidae
   rank: family
8. Sciuridae
   rank: family

Europe, Ukraine, Ukrainian (Kyiv) Polissia, North of Kyiv region, territory of Chornobyl Exclusion Zone (mostly Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve).