Lazar et al. identified a brand-new Punaré, a rodent species. Through an integrative
approach—combining genetics, chromosomes, and morphology —they
demonstrated that this population is distinct from all previously
known.
New publication in our journal 📢
Lazar, A., Weksler, M. & Bonvicino, C.R. The hidden diversity in Thrichomys Trouessart, 1880 (Rodentia: Echimyidae): identity of T. pachyurus (Wagner 1845), and the description of a new species from Central Brazil. Mamm Biol (2025). doi.org/10.1007/s429...
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3/3 influencing vegetation and providing food for predators. Despite its ecological importance, the European water vole is considered vulnerable in some areas due to habitat loss and predation by invasive species.
2/3 Recognizable by its robust, rounded body, short legs, and semi-aquatic lifestyle, the water vole is an excellent swimmer and builder of elaborate burrow systems along riverbanks. It primarily feeds on aquatic plants, grasses, and roots, and plays a significant role in its habitat by
a water vole sitting in water eating a leaf
a swimming water vole
1/3 #MammalWednesday The European water vole (Arvicola amphibius) is an intriguing mammal native to Europe, often found near water bodies like rivers, lakes, and wetlands. 🌎 🦊 🦤
A large wisent looking directly into the camera
MammalWednesday: The largest European mammal is the European bison (Bison bonasus), also known as the wisent, with adult males weighing up to 1,000 kg. 🌎 🦊 🦤
a fox with his head in the snow searching for mouses
MammalWednesday: #Red #foxes (#Vulpes vulpes) 🦊 have incredible hearing—they can detect the rustling of small rodents under thick snow and use a specialized hunting technique called "mousing," where they leap and dive headfirst to catch their prey! photo ccby © andrewm77 🌎 🐁
5/5 The study also found that the impact of ALAN on crossing behavior disappeared after the removal of the light source, indicating potential resilience in these species.
4/5 but had no significant effect on martens. Additionally, European badgers reduced their crossing speed under artificial light during all seasons.
3/5 Camera traps recorded the movements of species such as European badger, red fox, and martens over a three-year period. Key findings revealed that ALAN significantly decreased the probability of underpass crossings for European badgers in autumn and spring, and for red foxes in spring,
2/5 The study investigated the effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) on the movement behavior of medium-sized wild mammals using five underpasses in the 'Causses du Quercy' regional natural park, France.
camera trap photo of a red fox (not from the presented study)
Camera trap photo of a pine marten (not from the presented study).
1/5 Recent interesting #Publication Sordello et al. (2025). Does artificial light interfere with the activity of nocturnal mammals? An experimental study using road underpasses. Biological Conservation, 302. doi.org/10.1016/j.bi... 🌎 🦊 🦤 🧪
They roost in tree cavities and are known for their strong site fidelity. The species is considered near threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
All photos from iNaturalist
© ltfarquet
© bergsepp
A Bechsteins bat during a night flight. cc by © ltfarquet
a bechstein bat hanging from the ceiling, however the photo is turned around so it looks like its standing. ccby © bergsepp
#MammalWednesday #Bechstein's bat (Myotis bechsteinii) is a medium-sized #bat found in deciduous forests across Europe. It has a broad wingspan, large ears, and a brownish-grey fur coat. Bechstein's bats are insectivorous, feeding on moths, beetles, and other small insects. 🦊 🌎 🦤 🦇
2/2 It was brought to the Mediterranean region as a semi-domestic animal about 1,000 to 1,500 years ago. It spread from the Iberian Peninsula to the Balearic Islands and southern France.
A common genet resting in a tree
camera trap photo of a common genet
1/2 #MammalWed The common genet (Genetta genetta) is a small, nocturnal carnivore found in woodlands, scrublands, and rocky areas. It has a slender body, long tail with black rings, and a spotted coat. Genets are agile climbers and primarily feed on small mammals, birds, insects, and fruits. 🦊 🌎
4/4 The study underscores the need to understand temporal dynamics in scavenger behavior and competition, particularly as apex predators recolonize areas near urban environments.
3/4 They found that wild boars progressively became the primary scavengers, significantly increasing their carcass use over time, while red foxes reduced their scavenging activity. Wolves consumed only minor portions of the prey, leaving most of the carcass for other scavengers.
2/4 This study investigated the scavenging dynamics of mammalian species in a Mediterranean coastal area following the return of wolves. Using camera traps, researchers monitored the scavenging activity on fallow deer carcasses over five years.
1/4 New interesting #Publication Brogi, R., Bongi, P., Del Frate, M. et al. Intra-guild competition and ecosystem services of mammal scavengers in a new colonized wolf landscape. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 79, 20 (2025). doi.org/10.1007/s002... 🌎 🦊 🦤 🧪 🐺
Pygmy shrews are insectivorous, feeding on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates which they can immobilize by their toxic saliva. They are active throughout the year and have a high metabolic rate (up to 922 heart beats per minute!), requiring frequent feeding.
a pygmy shrew in dense grass
1/2 #MammalWednesday The Eurasian pygmy #shrew (Sorex minutus) is one of the smallest mammals found in Europe, inhabiting a variety of habitats including woodlands, grasslands, and gardens. It has a slender body, long pointed snout, and a brownish-grey fur coat. 🦊 🌎 🦤
2/2 small mammals, birds, amphibians, and insects. They are solitary and nocturnal, with a strong musky odor used for marking territory. The species is relatively
common but faces threats from habitat loss and hybridization with feral ferrets.
European polecat sitting in herbs
a European polecat in a garden next to a wheelbarrow
1/2 #MammalWednesday The European polecat (Mustela putorius) is a medium-sized carnivore found in woodlands, wetlands, and agricultural areas across Europe. It has a slender body, dark brown fur with a lighter underbelly, and a distinctive facial mask. Polecats primarily feed on 🌎 🦊 🦤
Mammal Conservation Europe's Second General Meeting!
Date and time: Mon, 3 Mar 2025 12:00 - 14:00 CET
Location: Online
Refund Policy: No Refunds
See Additional information and registration here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mammal-con... 🦊🌍🦤🧪
2/2 Their diet includes insects, fruits, nuts, and small vertebrates. The species is facing a decline due to habitat loss and fragmentation, making conservation efforts essential.
A garden dormouse with its dominant black eyes and its eye mask around them
A garden dormouse eating an apple
1/2 #MammalWednesday The garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) is a small rodent found in woodlands, gardens, and rocky areas across Europe. It has a distinctive black mask around its eyes, a bushy tail, and a grey-brown coat. Garden dormice are nocturnal and hibernate for six to seven months!🦊🦤🌎
4/4 Despite spatial separation, there was a high degree of temporal overlap in their nocturnal activity patterns. The study highlights the importance of considering habitat and food resources in understanding intraguild predation dynamics between these species.
3/4 in mixed farmland compared to arable landscapes, while badger density did not vary significantly across different land uses. Hedgehogs were often found near buildings and in areas with lower invertebrate biomass, suggesting they may occupy suboptimal habitats to avoid badgers.
2/4 This study investigated the coexistence of Eurasian badgers and European hedgehogs across 22 rural sites in England and Wales, focusing on their habitat use, food availability, and interactions. The findings revealed that hedgehog density was significantly higher
