Penetration of mammals over urban green spaces in Warsaw

Abstract

Counting tracks in the snow was the method used to examine the composition and numerical relations of the group of mammals in 3 urban zones in Warsaw, and also in control areas. A 3-fold decrease in number of species was found from the city boundaries towards its center. The number of green areas in which mammals occur decreases with increasing urbanization of the area and this also applies to penetration of mammals. Only a small number of species (squirrels, stone martens and some rabbits) increase their numbers in a town. Domesticated mammals (cats and dogs) greatly dominate in urban green spaces.