Summer Food Ration of the Microtus Socialis Pall. at Chernye Zemli of the Republic of Kalmykia
Goal. The goal of this study is to determine the summer food ration of the Microtus socialis Pall. (social vole). Materials and Methods. The materials on the summer food ration of the Microtus socialis Pall. were obtained on the territory of the Chernye Zemli (north - west Caspian Sea area) of the Republic of Kalmykia with the use of cuticular micro - histologic analysis of the excrements. Results. 26 plant species were identified in the ration of the social vole. The basis of the summer food ration constitute graminoids (54 %) mainly Poa bulbosa. The social vole consumes wild grasses in a comparatively less amount (46 %) but they play an important role in the summer ration. Conclusion. The basis of the summer ration of the Microtus socialis Pall. at the Chernye zemli is comprised of vegetative and generative organs of ephemeroid Poa bulbosa. The predominance of the bulbous bluegrass in the summer food ration is related to the fact that after the end of vegetation it retains its bulbous up to the beginning of the new vegetation period, thus becoming an easy to get food.