Seasonal and diel activity patterns of small mammal guilds on the Pannonian Steppe: a step towards a better understanding of the ecology of the endangered Hungarian birch mouse (Sicista trizona) (Sminthidae, Rodentia)
Journal: Mammal Research
Year: 2022

Abstract Temporal activity differences facilitate species’ coexistence by reducing interspecific competition. Such patterns can be studied via diel activity analysis, but obtaining data in cryptic mammals is difficult. We investigated the annual and diel activity pattern of such a small mammal, the endangered Hungarian birch mouse ( Sicista trizona trizona ), in its only known habitat. We employ trail cameras for the first time to reveal the diel and annual activity of a sminthid species. Data a