Analysis of number and distribution of some types of marten family in the Kinelsky region of the Samara region

The article provides data on the distribution in the Kinelsky District of the Samara Region of some members of the Mustelidae family (American mink, pine marten, forest polecat and steppe polecat) in three biotopes (lime-oak deciduous forest, fallow lands and fields, riparian areas of the floodplain in Samara River valley). It is noted that the traces of American mink were found only in riparian areas near the thawed patches and fishing holes where animals foraging. European pine marten occurs in all biotopes avoiding unforested sites, but the greatest number of traces was observed in the forest. Polecat traces were mostly recorded in the open areas. In the forest, they were observed every year, but in smaller quantities. The work also presents data on the population dynamics of mustelids in the Kinelsky District of the Samara Region in the winter period of 2005–2011.