The influence of habitat and landscape on small mammals in Estonian coastal wetlands

Abstract

We investigated the influence of habitat type and landscape composition on small mammal relative abundance and diversity in coastal wetlands in western Estonia. Seventy live-trap lines in eight representative habitats, across six wetlands revealed seven species. The most diverse habitats were reed bed and scrub woodland, whereas tall grasslands had the highest biomass. Short grass was low in species richness and relative abundance. Small mammal relative abundance, richness, and biomass were positively correlated with tall grass and mosaic habitats and negatively correlated with lower shore habitats and bare ground. Our study indicates potential nature conservation conflicts between small mammals and other biodiversity priorities in wetlands.