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Reproductive Ecology of the Lesser Shrew (Sorex minutus L.) at the Northern Periphery of Its Range

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Abstract—

Population-ecological features of reproduction in the lesser shrew related to its living at the northern distribution boundary have been analyzed based on the data of long-term stationary and expedition studies (1958–2017) in the taiga zone of northwestern Russia. It is established that the species under these conditions is characterized by a longer period of reproduction (from mid-April to late September), in which mainly overwintered individuals are involved. In general, two litters per season are produced, which is correlated with two distinct peaks of dispersal of the young: in late June–early July and early August. The average number of embryos per female varies from 2 to 11, averaging 6.0 ± 0.21. The litter size varies by months and gradually decreases from early summer to autumn.

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  1. Petrozavodsk State University, 185910, Petrozavodsk, Russia

    E. V. Ivanter

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Correspondence to E. V. Ivanter.

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Translated by D. Zabolotny

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Ivanter, E.V. Reproductive Ecology of the Lesser Shrew (Sorex minutus L.) at the Northern Periphery of Its Range. Russ J Ecol 51, 174–180 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1067413620020046

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