Individualna dnevno nočna in sezonska dinamika rabe polšin s strani navadnega polha na območju Dinaridov

Ponikvar, Lovrenc (avtor), Jerina, Klemen (mentor)

Navadni polh ima zaradi izredno velike številčnosti in posledično velike skupne biomase pomembno vlogo vmesnega člena v prehranski verigi. Pomemben je tudi kot plenilec semen drevesnih vrst. Na zakraselih območjih se čez dan in med zimskim spanjem lahko umakne v podzemne jame (polšine), kar vpliva na njegovo biologijo, demografijo in vlogo v ekosistemu. Vhodi v polšine so lahko idealna mesta za plenjenje polha za več vrst plenilcev (npr. kune), na kar se polh lahko odziva z ustreznim vedenjem. Doslej smo aktivnost polha na polšinah spremljali le z avtomatskimi fotopastmi, ki pa ne omogočajo individualne zaznave. Namen naloge je bil nadgraditi spremljanje polhov z metodo mikročipiranja in avtomatskih čitalcev (Dorset ID), ki omogoča avtomatizirano individualno sledenje. Preučevali smo pogostost zapuščanja polšin, trajanje bivanja v in zunaj njih, splošno in sezonsko cirkadiano aktivnost polha (tudi glede na spol) ter primerjali natančnost metode fotopasti z metodo mikročipiranja. Polhe smo lovili na območju Rakitne z živolovkami celotno poletno sezono 2024. Lov smo izvajali na sedmih izbranih polšinah, opremljenih z antenami in avtomatskimi kamerami. Ujete polhe smo stehtali, čipirali, določili spol in izpustili. Skupno smo ujeli in čipirali 22 polhov, od tega smo jih dalj časa spremljali 11. Podatke smo analizirali v programih Microsoft Excel in JASP. Potrdili smo, da so polhi aktivni skozi celo noč, pri čemer je največ dogajanja na polšinah v večernih in jutranjih urah. Zaznali smo primere, ko so osebki ostali zunaj polšine več kot eno noč in tudi večkratne izhode in povratke v polšino isto noč. S sezonskim podaljševanjem noči polh podaljšuje obdobje nočne aktivnosti. Avtomatske kamere so zabeležile le petino vseh prehodov v in iz polšine, ki so jih opravili označeni polhi. Upoštevaje pridobljene izkušnje ocenjujemo, da je postopek mikročipiranja primeren, za izboljšanje uspeha odlova pa svetujemo rabo večjih pasti z možnosti lova v obe smeri.

• Jezik: Slovenski jezik
• Ključne besede: navadni polh, Glis glis, cirkadiana aktivnost, mikročipiranje, polšine, Dinaridi
• Vrsta gradiva: Magistrsko delo/naloga
• Tipologija: 2.09 - Magistrsko delo
• Organizacija: BF - Biotehniška fakulteta
• Založnik: [L. Ponikvar]
• Leto izida: 2025
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-173112
• UDK: 630*14:630*15(043.2)=163.6
• COBISS.SI-ID: 249113347
• Datum objave v RUL: 13.09.2025

Sekundarni jezik

• Jezik: Angleški jezik
• Naslov: Individual daily, nocturnal and seasonal dynamics of underground cavern used by the edible dormouse in the Dinaric region

Izvleček

The edible dormouse plays an important role as an intermediate link in the food chain due to its high population density and consequently large biomass. It is also important predator of tree seeds. In the karst area, it can retreat into underground caves during the day and during winter hibernation, which significantly affects its biology, demography and role in the ecosystem. The entrances to the burrows can be ideal places for various predators (e.g. martens) to prey on dormice, which may influence dormouse behavior. Until now, dormouse activity at burrows has only been monitored using automatic camera traps, which do not allow for individual idetification. The aim of this study was to improve the monitoring method by using microchipping and automatic readers (Dorset ID) enabling automated individual traching. We studied the frequency of burrow departures, the duration of time spent inside and outside the burrows, general and seasonal circadian activity patterns (including sex differences), and compared the accuracy of camera trap method and microchipping method. Dormice were live-trapped in the Rakitna area throughout the summer 2024. Trapping was conducted at seven selected sites, all equipped with antennas and automatic cameras. Captured dormice were weighed, microchipped, determined the sex and released. A total of 22 dormice were caught and chipped, with 11 of them being tracked over a longer period. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and JASP. We confirmed that dormice are active throught the night, especially during evening and morning hours. We also recorded cases where individuals remained outside the burrow for more than one night, as well as multiple exits and re-entries in a single night. With the seasonal lenghtening of nights, dormice extend their nocturnal activity period. Automatic cameras recorded only a fifth of all entries and exits made by tagged dormice. Based on our experience, we conclude that microchipping method is suitable. To improve trapping success, we recomend using larger traps that allow capture in both directions.

• Ključne besede: edible doormouse, Glis glis, circadian activity, microchipping, underground caverns, Dinarics