Composition and structure of the theriofauna of the Urus-Martanovsky SPNA of the Chechen Republic

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of the current state of landscapes and theriofauna of the Urus-Martanovsky nature reserve of the Chechen Republic. The aim of the work is to evaluate the indicators of mammalian biodiversity and the subsequent use of research results to assess the degree of influence of anthropogenic transformation on the functional structure of protected areas and its biota. Particular attention is paid to the identification of the species composition of mammals in this protected area as the main component of the reserve’s ecosystems, the ecological structure of the theriofauna, and the distribution of species in biotopes. The methods of ecological-faunistic analysis, methods of accounting for the number and analysis of traces of life are used. The research results contain original information on the assessment of the animal population of most species of various ecological groups in their habitats. Separately considered, based on observations and credentials, the state of rare and endangered species of mammals, their species list is given. The data obtained on the basis of the inventory and monitoring of mammals will be used to develop measures to optimize the boundaries of the Urus-Martanovsky reserve, which will serve as a favorable factor for maintaining the biodiversity of its theriofauna and the entire biota.