Biocenotic relations of common adder (Vipera berus) in the conditions of the Republic of Moldova | Relatiile biocenotice ale viperei comune (Vipera berus) in conditiile Republicii Moldova
2014
Postolachi, V., Academia de Stiinte a Moldovei, Chisinau (Republic of Moldova). Inst. de Zoologie
The populations of adder (Vipera berus) from the Codru zone and the Dniester River valley were investigated during the years 2000-2012. The analysis of viper stomachs revealed that their diet consists of mammals, usually rodents (6 species), while Sorex araneus remnants were detected in one case only. Bird scraps (2 species), as well as reptiles (1 species) and amphibians (4 species) were occasionally found. The list of food items can be supplemented with potential species (12 species) which, for some reason, were not registered in our samples. As trophic competitors, the fox was detected, followed by Mustela nivalis, Martes foina, and Martes martes. Buteo buteo, Asio otus, and Athene noctua were recorded among the birds in ecological competition with vipers. At the same time, the common viper can serve as food for a number of predators, such as Buteo buteo, Athene noctua, and Meles meles. The Trematoda species were found among the helminth fauna of Vipera berus.
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