Species of herbivore mammals in Striltsivsky Steppe and their environment-forming role for the ecosystems of the nature reserve

The article describes the key herbivore mammals species of in Striltsivsky Steppe. The authors noticed changes in the list of mammalian genera, namely, a decrease in the number of certain groups of characteristic steppe plant feeders, as well as the appearance and distribution of species common for forest biotopes. An increase in the number of large plant feeders (such as wild boar and roe deer) was noted, although the nature and scale of their environment-forming role are insufficient in suppressing reservogenic successions of the vegetation cover. Based on own observations and literature data analysis, the authors predict that the relevant trends in the flora and fauna composition in the reserve will continue in the future provided that the current regime of its territory remains the same.