Small Terrestrial Mammals of Albania: Annotated List and Distribution

Home , Antigone, Bajram Curri (town), Crocidura, Dardhas, Dryomys, Has (region)

Hystrix It.It. J.J. MammMamm.. 19(2)19(2) 2008:2008: 3-2183-101 SMALL TERRESTRIAL MAMMALS OF ALBANIA: ANNOTATED LIST AND DISTRIBUTION

1* 2 FERDINAND BEGO , BORIS KRYŠTUFEK , 3 4 GLIGOR PASPALI , ELTON ROGOZI

1Museum of Natural Sciences, Tirana University, Rruga e Kavajes No. 132, Tirana, Albania *Corresponding author, e-mail: [email protected] 2University of Primorska, Science and Research Centre, Garibaldijeva 1, SI-6000 Koper, Slo- venia; e-mail: [email protected] 3Department of Biology, University “Eqerem Çabej”, Lagjia 18 Shtatori, Gjirokastra, Albania; e-mail: [email protected] 4Institute of Public Health, Rruga Aleksandër Moisiu No. 80, Tirana, Albania; e-mail: [email protected]

Received 30 August 2008; accepted 12 November 2008

ABSTRACT - We report a synopsis of the small mammals of Albania (Erinaceomorpha, Sori- comorpha, Rodentia), outlining both new records and previously published data. Twenty-four species (one hedgehog, six soricomorhps and 17 rodents) have been collected in 161 localities surveyed throughout the country. Nine species (Neomys anomalus, Crocidura leucodon, Talpa stankovici, Dryomys nitedula, Muscardinus avellanarius, Micromys minutus, Mus macedonicus, Myodes glareolus and Microtus thomasi) are recorded for Albania for the first time. The present list is far from being complete and the probable presence of a further 11 species has to be confirmed.

Key words: Soricomorpha, Erinaceomorpha, Rodentia, Balkans, Albania

RIASSUNTO - I micromammiferi dell’Albania: status e distribuzione. Viene presentato un quadro della distribuzione dei micromammiferi in Albania, evidenziando le specie di recente scoperta così come alcuni dati già pubblicati. L’esame di 161 località distribuite sull’intero territorio nazionale ha permesso di raccogliere informazioni sulla presenza di 24 specie di micromammiferi (1 Erinaceomorpha, 6 Soricomorpha e 17 Rodentia). Nove specie (Neomys a- nomalus, Crocidura leucodon, Talpa stankovici, Dryomys nitedula, Muscardinus avellanarius, Micromys minutus, Mus macedonicus, Myodes glareolus e Microtus thomasi) vengono segna- late per la prima volta. L’elenco qui presentato non può essere considerato definitivo. Ulteriori ricerche potrebbero accertare la presenza di altre 11 specie.

Parole chiave: Soricomorpha, Erinaceomorpha, Rodentia, Balcani, Albania

INTRODUCTION centre of biodiversity and, therefore, an area of high conservation value The Balkans, a “miniscule universe” (Kryštufek and Reed, 2004). The signi- where “the natural landscape has the ficance of the peninsula as a European aspect of a lunar purgatory” (Stillman, hotspot has been emphasized on the 1966), is the most splendid European basis of a number of plant and animal

83 Bego et al. groups (Gaston and David, 1994). For 1997-2007), sampling 161 localities mammals, the high species diversity spread over the entire territory of Alba- and endemism is attested for the moun- nia (Fig. 1). Snap trapping and the tainous regions of the southern Dina- analysis of Tyto alba pellets , as the rides and the Shara-Pindhos Mountains, two main field sampling techniques, which encompass the whole of Albania were supplemented by direct and indi- (Kryštufek and Griffiths, 2002; Kryštu- rect (footprints, feeding signs, faeces, fek, 2004). The Balkan region has also burrows, carrions, etc.) observations . been a point of intersection and conflict Voucher specimens have been depo- between a number of very different sited at the Museum of Natural cultures, ideologies and religions Sciences, Tirana University. We also (Kryštufek and Reeds, 2004). Thus the considered materials deposited in the development of natural sciences has Naturhistorisches Museum of Wien been retarded in the entire region in (NMW). Taxonomy and nomenclature general and in Albania in particular. follow Wilson and Reeder (2005). Key Although the first records of small ter- references were: Petrov (1992) for for- restrial mammals, which are the subject mer Yugoslavia, Kryštufek and Vo- of this paper, date back to Miller hralík (1992) for Montenegro, (1912), subsequent studies were pub- Kryštufek and Petkovski (2003) for lished only after 1945 and were largely Macedonia and Ondrias (1966), Nie- based on very limited samples (Puza- thammer (1986), Vohralík and Sofiani- nov et al., 1955; Koçi, 1961; Rosický dou (1987) and Sofianidou and Vo- and Gjini, 1960; Bajrami and Serezi, hralík (1991) for Greece. 1981; Vangjeli, 1987a; AndƟra, 1991; Kryštufek, 1994; Prigioni, 1996; Ma- STUDY AREA cholán and Vohralík, 1997; Macholán et al., 2003). More comprehensive stu- Albania is located on the eastern coasts of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. In spite of its dies, having been published in the Al- 2 banian language (Bego, 1997, 2001, small surface area (28,748 km ), the coun- 2003), went largely unnoticed by try is topographically highly diverse. The Albanian mountains (the highest peak is mammalogists outside the country. Mt. Korab, 2753 m a.s.l.), which are physi- Consequently, by the end of the 20th ographically part of The Alpine Mountains, century, the mammal fauna of Albania rise very steeply from the coastal strip and was the least known in Europe (Prigio- cover 70% of the country. As a conse- ni, 1996; Mitchell-Jones et al., 1999). quence of Alpine orogenesis, these moun- The aim of this paper is to summarize tains are characterized by complex folding the current distributional status of small and faulting although outcrops of more terrestrial mammals belonging to the ancient, volcanic and metamorphic, rocks orders Erinaceomorpha, Soricomorpha are common throughout. The northern and Rodentia in Albania. mountains in particular are singled out by the dominance of carbonate rocks. Thick layers of Late Tertiary or Quaternary sedi- METHODS ment cover the 20-30 km wide strip of the coastal lowlands. This paper is largely based on data ga- Although Albania falls within the tempe- thered between 1992 and 2008 (mostly rate zone, topographic diversity and the

84 Small mammals of Albania. combination of Mediterranean and conti- 2002; April 2006); Cangonj (950 m, Au- nental influences ensure great climatic and gust 1996; May 2002; April 2006). vegetation diversity (Reed et al., 2004).The coastal region enjoys a Mediterranean cli- Records are spread over the whole of mate with dry, hot summers and mild, wet Albania (Fig. 2), from sea level to the winters. Further east the mountains act as a upper forest line (1500 m). Whilst barrier to the penetration of warm air elsewhere in Europe the hedgehog pre- masses. The climate of the mountainous fers lowlands and hills between 300 regions is Alpine, with strong shifts in precipitation and temperature depending on and 800 m a.s.l. (Mitchell-Jones et al., height and exposure. Differences in tem- 1999), more than half of our records (= perature between the coast and inland re- 53%, n = 19) were above 1000 m a.s.l.. gions are by far most marked in winter, As a result of the expanding transport whilst those in precipitation are stronger in network, the number of road casualties summer Predominant vegetation along the for this species is increasing. Earlier coast is evergreen maquis, which is re- papers refer to this species as Erinaceus placed by oak woodland further inland and europaeus (Puzanov and Mitrushi, 1955; finally by beech forests and grasslands at Koçi, 1961) or E. concolor (Bego, higher altitudes. Forests, which are fre- 1997). quently degraded, cover c. 40% of the whole surface, while meadows/pastures and arable land cover, respectively, 15% Neomys anomalus Cabrera, 1907 and 26% of Albania. Mean human density is 115 inhabitants per km2, but the moun- Gjirokastër: Libohovë (230 m) and Laza- tainous regions are scarcely populated. rat (350 m); 6 specimens from pellets during 2006-2007.

ANNOTATED LIST OF SPECIES The Mediterranean water shrew is reported for Albania for the first time. Erinaceus roumanicus Barrett-Hamilton, 1900 Both localities are situated along the Drinos valley in the southern part of the Shkodër: Velipojë (sea level, June 1992); country (Fig. 3). In the Balkans this Thethi (1350 m, June 2001). Lezhë: Shengjin (repeated observations). Durrës: species is more widespread than N. fo- Rrotull (200 m); Manëz (150 m); Kullë diens (e.g. Petrov, 1992), consequently (100 m, July-August 1992). Tiranë: Mt. its distribution in Albania is probably Dajti (1100 m); Vore (200 m, repeated ob- underestimated. servations). Lushnjë: Divjaka Pine Forest (sea level, repeated observations). Vlorë: Crocidura leucodon (Hermann, 1780) Nartë (sea level, September 1999), Karabu- run-Llogora (10-1200 m, September 1999). Durrës: Rrotull (150 m, August 1992, Sarandë: Butrint (0-150 m, May 1998). 1Ƃ). Tiranë: Mt. Dajti (1100 m, 1994, 1 Delvinë: Syri i kaltër (250 m, May 1998). ƃ). Lushnjë: Karavasta, Shën Thanasi Librazhd: Dardhë (1250 m); Stravaj (1500 Monastery (sea level); Xeng, Shën Kolli m); Rajcë (1350 m); Qarrishtë (1450 m, Monastery (5m, between 2001 and 2008, c. August 1994). Pogradec: Velçan (1050 m, 507 specimens from pellets); Bishqethem, September 1994). Dibër: Selishtë (1300 Shën Mari Monastery (0-5 m, January and m); Korab (1400 m, June 1999). Korçe: April 2008, 60 specimens from pellets). Prespa e Madhe, Gollomboç (850 m, April Fier: Kolli Monastery (0-20 m, January 1995); Dardhë (1450 m, August 1996; May and April 2008, 2 specimens from pellets).

85 Bego et al.

86 Small mammals of Albania.

Figure 1 - Localities sampled in Albania for small terrestrial mammals. 1 – Vermosh. 2 – Tamarë. 3 – Bogë. 4 – Thethi. 5 – Çerem. 6 – Tropojë. 7 – Qafë-Morinë. 8 – Chest- nut forest of B. Curri. 9 – Gërçar i Poshtëm. 10 – Balçaj. 11 – Shkodër-qytet. 12 – Mehaj. 13 – Krye- zi. 14 – Tobël. 15 – Sefoll. 16 – Myç. 17 – Nangë. 18 – Bicaj. 19 – Kolesian. 20 – Velipojë. 21 – Lurë. 22 – Kastriot. 23 – Llasen. 24 – Ravnë. 25 – Pilaf. 26 – Brezhdan. 27 – Korab. 28 – Grevë. 29 – Selishtë. 30 – Shëngjin. 31 – Kune. 32 – Gjoshë. 33 – Fan (Rrëshen). 34 – Tarazh. 35 – Ulzë. 36 – Bushkash. 37 – German. 38 – Komsi. 39 – Fushë-Kuqe. 40 – Draç-Rodon. 41 – Rrotull. 42 – Nojë. 43 – Cudh-Zalli. 44 – Manëz. 45 – Kullë. 46 – Rrushkull. 47 – Vorë. 48 – Mt. Dajti. 49 – Feken. 50 – Qafë-Mollë. 51 – Bizë. 52 – Vaqarr. 53 – Baldushk. 54 – Elbasan (Gracen). 55 – Kosharishtë. 56 – Qarrishtë. 57 – Togëz. 58 – Qendër. 59 – Hotolisht. 60 – Dardhë. 61 – Rajcë. 62 – Spille. 63 – Grethi i vogël. 64 – Divjaka pine forest. 65 – Shën Kolli (Xengu). 66 – Shën Thanasi (Karavasta). 67 – Shën Mari (Bishqethëm). 68 – Shën Kolli (Vajkan). 69 – Apolloni (Pojan). 70 – Stravaj. 71 – Piskupat. 72 – Golik. 73 – Vërri. 74 – Proptisht. 75 – Velçan. 76 – Zëmçë. 77 – Vërdovë. 78 – Gështenjas. 79 – Plloçë. 80 – Stropckë. 81 – Dardhas. 82 – Osnat. 83 – Kalivaç. 84 – Çekrezë. 85 – Nartë. 86 – Skënderbegas. 87 – Shën e Premte (Darzezë). 88 – Nartë. 89 – Gjoroven. 90 – Drobonik. 91 – Goricë e madhe. 92 – Goricë e vogël. 93 – Gollomboç. 94 – Diellas. 95 – Lajthizë. 96 – Maliq-fshat. 97 – Plovisht. 98 – Senishtë. 99 – Lozhan. 100 – Popçisht. 101 – Moglicë. 102 – Tomorr. 103 – Ujanik (Mt. Tomorri). 104 – Moravë-Cangonj. 105 – Bickë. 106 – Vranisht. 107 – Voskopojë. 108 – Gjono- madh. 109 – Gjergjevicë. 110 – Vithkuq. 111 – Leshnije. 112 – Boboshticë. 113 – Dardhë. 114 – Arrëz. 115 – Çetë. 116 – Qytezë. 117 – Bogove. 118 – Radësh. 119 – Boshanj. 120 – Qafëzezë. 121 – Mollas. 122 – Shtikë. 123 – Butkë. 124 – Bezhan. 125 – Milec. 126 – Karaburun. 127 – Dukat. 128 – Llogora. 129 – Dhërmi; Qeparo. 130 – Salari. 131 – Zharrë. 132 – Turan. 133 – Uji i ftohtë. 134 – Bredhi i Hotovës. 135 – Kagjinas. 136 – Prodanj. 137 – Gjonçë. 138 – Sotiraj. 139 – Radanj. 140 – Gërmenj-Shelegurë. 141 – Leskovik. 142 – Mërcëq. 143 – Zheji. 144 – Humelicë. 145 – Arshi Lengo (Antigone). 146 – Cfakë. 147 - Kala (City castle); Gjirokastër-qytet. 148 – Dunavat. 149 – Lazarat. 150 – Libohovë. 151 – Kalasë. 152 – Sarandë-qytet. 153 – Vurgu. 154 – Messopotami. 155 – Kronjë. 156 – Syri i kaltër. 157 – Bodrishtë. 158 – Llongo. 159 - Bredhi i Sotirës (Sotirë). 160 – Koshovicë. 161 – Butrint. Districts: Berat (89, 90); Delvinë (151, 153–156); Devoll (105, 106, 114–116); Dibër (21 – 29); Durrës (40, 41, 44–46); Elbasan (54); Ersekë (119–125); Fier (68, 69, 87); Gjirokastër (143–150, 157–160); Gramsh (84–86); Has (14–16); Kavajë (62, 63); Korçë (91 – 101, 104, 107–113); Krujë (42, 43); Kukës (17–19); Laç (39); Lezhë (30–32); Librazhd (55–61, 70); Lushnjë (64–67); Malësia Madhe (1, 2, 9, 10); Mat (35–38); Mirditë (33, 34); Përmet (134, 142); Pogradec (71–83); Pukë (12, 13); Sarandë (152, 161); Shkodër (3, 4, 11, 20); Skrapar (102, 103, 117, 118); Tepelenë (130–133); Tiranë (47–53); Tropojë (5–8); Vlorë (88, 126–129).

Ersekë: Butkë (1108 m, 2007, 1Ƃ). Gjiro- tenegro (Petrov, 1992). Localities in kastër: Bodrishtë (430 m); Lazarat (350 Albania range from the sea level up to m); Castle (520 m); Libohovë (230 m); 1100 m. Antigone (210 m); Delvinë: Messopotami (50 m); Kalasë (40 m); Vurgu (0-10 m). At least 154 specimens from pellets from the Crocidura suaveolens (Pallas, 1811) districts of Gjirokastër and Delvinë. Durrës: Rrotull (150 m, August 1992). The bicoloured shrew is reported for Tiranë: Mt. Dajti (1100 m, 1992); Albania for the first time. Although no Lushnjë: Divjaka Pine Forest (sea level, May 1995, 1Ƃ found dead on a sand dune); records are available from the northern Xeng, Shën Kolli Monastery, and Karavas- part of the country, the species is puta- ta, Shën Thanasi monastery (2001-2008, tively widespread (Fig. 4). According- 166 specimens from pellets); Bishqethëm, ly, the bicoloured shrew is common Shen Mari Monastery (0-5 m, January and around Lake Scutari (Shkodra) in Mon- April 2008, 68 specimens from pellets).

87 Bego et al.

Fier: Apolloni (April 1998, 2 specimens Lushnjë: Xeng, Shën Kolli Monastery (5 from pellets); Darzezë, Shën e Premte (sea m) and Karavasta, Shën Thanasi Monastery level, 2002, 21 specimens from pellets); (sea level; 2000-2008, 275 specimens); Vajkan, Shën Kolli Monastery (0-20 m, Bishqethëm, Shën Mari Monastery (0-5 m, January and April 2008, 7 specimens from January and April 2008, 29 specimens). pellets). Vlorë: Dhërmi (150 m, May 1995, Fier: Darzezë, Shen e Premte Monastery 1 specimen from pellets). Delvinë: Meso- (sea level, 2002, 35 specimens); Vajkan, potami (50m, 1992, 1995, 1996, 2007); Shën Kolli Monastery (0-20 m, January Fusha e Vurgut (0-10 m) and Kalasë (40 m; and April 2008, 9 specimens). Gjiro- 2006 and 2007; 20 specimens from pellets). kastër: Libohovë (230 m), Lazarat (350 Pukë: Kryezi (June 2006, 1ƃ). Librazhd: m) and Antigone (210 m), 5 specimens Togëz (233 m, August 2006, 1 Ƃ and 1 ƃ). during 2006-2007. Devoll: Vranisht (909 m, September 2006, 1 Ƃ). Skrapar: Bogovë (207 m, October All the examined Etruscan shrews (n = 2006, 1 Ƃ). Berat: Drobonik (180 m, Oc- 353) were from T. alba pellets. Alba- tober 2006, 1ƃ). Tepelenë: Uji i Ftohtë nian records are all from coastal low- (176 m, November 2006, 1ƃ). Kavajë: lands, below 400 m a.s.l. (Fig.6). Given Greth i Vogël (March 2007, 1Ƃ); Spille its occurrence in coastal Montenegro (sea level, March 2007, 1Ƃ). Malësia e Madhe: Kçar i Poshtëm (April 2007, 1ƃ). (Petrov, 1992), it is doubtlessly present Korçë: Goricë e Vogël (862 m, September also in northern Albania. In the Balkans 2007, 1ƃ). Ersekë: Bezhan (1065 m, Oc- this tiny shrew is similarly restricted to tober 2007, 1ƃ). Pogradec: Gështenjas the coastal regions below 600 m a.s.l. (756 m, October 2007, 1Ƃ). Gjirokastër: (Vohralík and Sofianidou, 2000) and is Antigone (210 m); Lazarat (350 m); Bo- common in owl pellets from the north- drishtë (430 m); Libohove (230 m); during eastern Adriatic coast (e.g. Lipej and 2005-2007, c. 31 specimens from pellets. Kryštufek, 1991).

The lesser white-toothed shrew is the Talpa caeca Savi, 1822 most widespread shrew in Albania and was found from sea level up to 1200 m Tropojë: Tropoja (=Tropojë; Kryštufek, (Fig.5). Interactions between the two 1994); Çerem (1800-2000 m). Tiranë: Bi- Crocidura species are poorly unders- zë (1700 m); Mt. Dajti (1100 m). Li- tood. Although C. suaveolens was brazhd: Stravaj (1300 m); Dardhë (1700 found on a larger number of localities m). Skrapar: Tomorr (Mt. Tomorri, 1700- (29) than C. leucodon (16 localities), 1900 m) more than twice as many specimens of the latter were retrieved from owl pel- Three species of moles are partly sym- lets (723 vs. 316). For both species, c. patric in the countries surrounding Al- 50% of records are from lowlands bania (Mitchell-Jones et al., 1999). Al- (<400 m a.s.l.). though they are well defined by their diploid chromosomal numbers Suncus etruscus (Savi, 1822) (Soldatoviü and Dunÿerski, 1972), cranial differences are slight and vary Durrës: Durrës (from owl pellets; Kahman geographically (Kryštufek, 1994). Ma- and Altner, 1956). Delvinë: Messopotami terials from Albania were earlier re- (50 m, 1995, 1996, 2007, 5 specimens). ported as T. caeca (Bego, 1997, 2001),

88 Small mammals of Albania. but their re-examination revealed also Dardhë (1400 m); Stravaj (1350 m); Rajcë the presence of T. stankovici. The Blind (1200-1800 m); Qarrishtë (1300-1700 m). mole is known in Albania from a small Korçë: Goricë e madhe (1050m); Moravë number of localities at high altitude (1600 m); Cangonj (950 m); Vithkuq (1400 (1100-2000 m). We observed characte- m). Ersekë: Gërmenj-Shelegurë (1200- ristic mole-hills also in other parts of 1800 m). Përmet: Bredhi i Hotovës (1300 m). Gjirokastër: Bredhi i Sotirës (1300- the country. Particularly, those from the 1800 m); Zheji (1500 m). Delvinë: Syri i northern Alpine pastures very likely kaltër (350 m). belonged to T. caeca (Fig.7). The Eurasian red squirrel is widespread Talpa stankovici V. Martino and E. in forested regions throughout Albania, Martino, 1931 from sea level to the tree-line (1600-

1800 m a.s.l.). Most of our records are Durrës: Kullë (30 m, repeated observations). Tiranë: Vaqarr (150 m, repeated based on observations of animals and observations); Vorë (200 m, March 2000, 1 their chracateristic signs (footprints, ƃ). Lushnjë: Xeng, Shën Kolli Monastery feeding signs) or vocalizations (Fig. 8). (5m, 2002 and 2007, 2 specimens from Dark colouration was dominant. In pellets); Divjaka Pine Forest (sea level, 1960-1970 this animal was reported as January 2008, 1 ƃ). Ersekë: Boshanj (890 a game species (Puzanov and Mitrushi, m, October 2007, 1ƃ). 1955; Koçi, 1961).

Records from the coastal area of central Glis glis (Linnaeus, 1766) Albania (Fig. 7) are the first evidence connecting the contiguous range of T. Tiranë: Mt. Dajti (1100 m, October 1992, stankovici in Macedonia and Greece to 1Ƃ); Qafë Mollë (800 m, August 1996, an isolated occurrence from Ulcinj, 1Ƃ). Lushnjë: Divjaka Pine Forest (sea Montenegro (Kryštufek, 1994). Given level, May 2003, 1ƃ). its wide altitudinal occurrence in Alba- nia (5-890 m) and Macedonia (up to Although records of the fat dormouse 2200 m; Petrov, 1992) T. stankovici is are scarce (Fig. 9), this species is very putatively widespread to the south of likely widespread in the forested re- the River Drin. gions of Albania (cf. Mitchell-Jones et al., 1999). Our specimens were found Sciurus vulgaris Linnaeus, 1758 in different forest types: beech (Mt. Dajti), chestnut (Qafë Mollë) and pine Lezhë: Kune (sea level, repeted observa- woods (Divjaka). In the 1960s it was tions). Lushnjë: Divjaka Pine Forest (sea level). Skrapar: Mt. Tomorri (1600 m). considered as a game species (Puzanov Tropojë: Çerem (1700 m, August 1995); and Mitrushi, 1955). Bajram Curri (600 m, August 1995). Ti- ranë: Mt. Dajti (1200 m); Feken (1300 m); Dryomys nitedula (Pallas, 1779) Bizë (1600 m), Baldushk (300 m). Mir- ditë: Fan (450 m). Dibër: Lurë (1000-1600 Librazhd: Stravaj (1300 m, August 1994, m). Durrës: Rrotull-Draç-Rodon (100-200 1 Ƃ). Korçë: Goricë e Vogël (825 m, Sep- m). Vlorë: Llogora (1100 m). Librazhd: tember 2007, 1 Ƃ).

89 Bego et al.

Two subadult females were trapped only in mountain forests (pers. obs.). We (Fig.9), one in an old growth beech thus suggest that the common dormouse forest (Stravaj) and one in an oak wood is probably widespread in Albania. (Goricë e Vogël). Albeit rare, the forest dormouse is widespread in the Balkans Apodemus sylvaticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Kryštufek and Vohralik, 1994); consequently it is likely to be more wide- Durrës: Rrushkull (sea level, 1992, 2ƃ and spread in the broadleaved forests of 1Ƃ). Tiranë: Mt. Dajti (1100 m, 1992, 5ƃ Albania. and 4Ƃ). Shkodër: Bogë (1993, altitude 950 m, 1Ƃ); Velipojë (sea level, 1995, 1ƃ). Muscardinus avellanarius (Linnaeus, 1758) Tropojë: Bajram Curri (450 m and 650 m, 1993, 3ƃ). Librazhd: Dardhë (1700 m, Tiranë: Vorë (250 m, 2004, 1ƃ). Lushnjë: August 1994, 1ƃ); Stravaj (1400 m, Au- Xeng, Shën Kolli Monastery (2004 and gust 1994, 1ƃ); Qendër (240 m, 2006, 1ƃ). 2007, 2 specimens from pellets); Karavasta, Lushnjë: Xeng, Shën Kolli Monastery (5 Shën Thanasi Monastery (2006 and 2007, 2 m), and Karavasta, Shën Thanasi Monas- specimens from pellets); Bishqethëm, Shën tery (sea level, 2001-2008, c. 75 specimens Mari Monastery (January 2008, 1 specimen from pellets); Divjaka Pine Forest (sea lev- from pellets). Fier: Darzezë, Shën e Premte el, 1995, 5ƃ and 1Ƃ); Bishqethëm, Shën Monastery (sea level, 2002, 1 specimen Mari Monastery (0-5 m, January and April from pellets). Gjirokastër: Arshi Lengo, 2008, 17 specimens from pellets). Fier: Antigone (210 m), Libohovë (230 m), and Darzezë, Shën e Premte (2002, 3 specimens Lazarat (350 m), 5 specimens from pellets from pellets). Skrapar: Ujanik (1400 m, during 2006-2007. Delvinë: Messopotami July 1995, 3ƃ and 1Ƃ). Delvinë: Fusha e (50 m, 2006 and 2007, 13 specimens from Vurgut (0-10 m), and Messopotami (50m, pellets); Kalasë (40 m, 2006, 2 specimens 1996, 2006 and 2007, 31 specimens from from pellets). Korçë: Dardhë (1494 m, Oc- pellets). Has: Myç (386 m, 2006, 1ƃ). tober 2007, 1Ƃ). Pukë: Kryezi (650 m, 2006, 1ƃ and 1Ƃ). Lezhë: Gjoshë (74 m, 2006, 1Ƃ); Kune Although the common dormouse had (sea level, 2007, 1ƃ). Malësia e Madhe: already been collected in June 1914 Tamarë (293 m, 2006, 1ƃ); Balçaj (10 m) and Kçar i Poshtëm (15 m, 2007, 5ƃ and (NMW, specimen from Vermosh, 1150 3Ƃ). Dibër: Brezhdan (580 m, 1Ƃ), Grevë m), its occurrence in Albania has not (735 m, 1Ƃ and 1ƃ). Mirditë: Tarazh (123 been published so far. We collected two m, 2006, 1Ƃ). Gjirokastër: Humelicë (203 more specimens, one in mixed woodland m, 2006, 1ƃ); Arshi Lengo, Antigone (210 on the hills near Vorë, and one in a m), Castle (520 m), Lazarat (350 m), Libo- mixed forest near Dardhë. A further 26 hovë (230 m) and Bodrishtë (430 m), 13 specimens were retrieved from T. alba specimens from pellets during 2006-2007. pellets. Compared to the other two Kavajë: Spille (sea level, 2007, 4ƃ and dormouse species, M. avellanarius 2Ƃ). Laç: Fushë-Kuqe (sea level, 2007, 1Ƃ seems to be surprisingly common in Al- and 1ƃ). Korçë: Maliq (Vangjeli, 1987b); Plovisht (791 m, 2007, 1Ƃ); Lajthizë (1063 bania (Fig. 10). It is also noteworthy that m, 2007, 1Ƃ); Dardhë (1438-1538 m, 2007, its altitudinal range extends from the sea 2Ƃ); Gjergjevicë (1009 m, 2007, 1ƃ). Er- level up to 1494 m, whilst in neighbour- sekë: Gjonçë (1285 m, 2007, 1ƃ); Butkë ing countries (Montenegro, Macedonia), (1108 m, 2007, 4Ƃ); Bezhan (1064 m, the common dormouse has been found 2007, 1Ƃ); Mollas (912 m, 2007, 2Ƃ).

90 Small mammals of Albania.

In the Balkans, the taxonomy of field Dhërmi (150 m, 1995, 1 specimen from mice from the Sylvaemus group (sensu pellets); Llogora (822 m, 2006 and 2007, Musser et al., 1996) has not yet been 2ƃ; 1027 m, 2007, 2Ƃ and 1ƃ). Pukë: completely agreed upon. A subspecies Kryezi (650 m, 2006, 2ƃ and 1Ƃ). Tropo- of this group, Apodemus sylvaticus jë: Qafë-Morinë (2006, 1ƃ). Dibër: Bre- zhdan (580 m, 2006 and 2007, 3Ƃ and 3ƃ); stankovici, described for the Macedo- Pilaf (606 m, 2006 and 2007, 3Ƃ and 1ƃ); nian side of Mt. Korab has been consi- Llasen (712 m, 2006 and 2007, 4Ƃ and dered to represent a form of A. flavicol- 1ƃ); Ravnë (725 m, 2006, 1ƃ); Grevë (735 lis (Kryštufek and Stojanovski, 1996) m, 2006, 2ƃ); Kastriot (650 m, 2007, 1Ƃ). or a true species, A. stankovici (Petrov, Përmet: Mërcëq (392 m, 2006, 1Ƃ). Er- 1994). More recently, Bugarski- sekë: Gërmenj (973-985 m, 2006, 2ƃ and Stanojeviü et al. (2007) questioned the 1Ƃ); Sotiraj (1027 m, 2006, 4Ƃ and 2ƃ); presence of A. sylvaticus in the Bal- Radanj (1212 m, 1Ƃ and 1ƃ); Prodanj kans, although the identity of speci- (1025 m, 2007, 1ƃ); Kagjinas (1025 m, mens from Greece was ascertained by 2007, 1Ƃ); Leskovik (1003 m, 2007, 1ƃ); Mollas (912-1009 m, 2007, 3ƃ and 2Ƃ); mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b se- Bezhan (1064 m, 2007, 2ƃ); Milec (1082 quences (Michaux and Filippucci, m, 2007, 1Ƃ and 2ƃ). Mat: Komsi (395 m, 2005). Our identification is based on 2006, 1ƃ); German (391 m, 2006, 1ƃ); morphological characteristics that al- Bushkash (152 m, 2006, 1ƃ); Ulzë (154- low the distinction of A. sylvaticus and 160 m, 2006, 2Ƃ and 1ƃ). Krujë: Cudh- A. flavicollis in the western Balkans Zalli (729 m, 2006, 1Ƃ); Nojë (697 m, (Kryštufek and Stojanovski, 1996). A. 2006, 1Ƃ). Korçë: Voskopojë (1315 m, sylvaticus is widespread in Albania 2006, 5Ƃ); Voskopojë (1266 m, 2007, 2ƃ from sea level up to 1700 m a.s.l. (Fig. and 1Ƃ); Gjonomadh (1185 m, 2006, 1Ƃ); 11). The majority of records are from Lozhan (716 m, 2007, 2ƃ and 1Ƃ); Pop- çisht (844 m, 2006, 2ƃ and 1Ƃ); Senishtë, lowlands (<500 m, 46%), followed by (762 m, 2006, 1Ƃ); Diellas (1144 m, 2007, the altitudes above 1000 m (36%). 1ƃ); Goricë e Vogël (862 m, 2007, 1Ƃ); A. sylvaticus had been previously re- Leshnije (1089 m, 2007, 1ƃ); Boboshticë, ported for Albania by Rosický and Gji- (1352 m, 2007, 1Ƃ); Dardhë (1494 m, ni (1960) and Vangjeli (1987b). 2007, 2Ƃ); Gjergjevicë (1009-1181 m, 2007, 3Ƃ and 1ƃ). Devoll: Bickë (947 m, Apodemus flavicollis (Melchior, 1834) 2006, 1Ƃ); Vranisht (909 m, 2006, 1ƃ); Arrëz (1033-1113 m, 2007, 2Ƃ and 2ƃ); Durrës: Rrotull (200 m, 1992, 3Ƃ). Ti- Qytezë (1029 m, 2007, 4Ƃ); Çetë (989 m, ranë: Mt. Dajti (1100 m, 1992, 9ƃ and 4Ƃ; 2007, 1ƃ). Gramsh: Çekrezë (219 m, 1072 m, 2006, 1Ƃ); Feken (1300 m, 1993, 2006, 1Ƃ and 2ƃ); Nartë (481 m, 2006, 3ƃ). Librazhd: Dardhë (1700 m, August 1ƃ); Skënderbegas (486 m, 2006, 1ƃ). 1994, 4ƃ and 3Ƃ); Qarrishtë (1224 m, Tepelenë: Turan (246 m, 2006, 1Ƃ); Salari 2006, 1Ƃ and 1ƃ); Kosharishtë (1356 m, (584 m, 2006, 1ƃ). Lushnjë: Xeng, Shën 2006, 1ƃ); Togëz (233-266, 2006, 2ƃ); Kolli Monastery, and Karavasta, Shën Qendër (248 m, 2006, 3Ƃ and 1ƃ); Hoto- Thanasi Monastery (2001-2008, 6 speci- lisht (2007, 2ƃ and 1Ƃ). Skrapar: Ujanik mens from pellets); Divjaka Pine Forest (1400 m, 1995, 2ƃ). Delvinë: Syri i Kaltër (sea level, 2007, 1Ƃ); Bishqethëm, Shën (150 m, 1996, 3Ƃ and 2ƃ); Kronjë (2007, Mari Monastery (January and April 2008, 4 2Ƃ and 1ƃ); Messopotami (50 m, 1996 and specimens from pellets). Malësia e Ma- 2007, 4 specimens from pellets). Vlorë: dhe: Kçar i Poshtëm (15 m, 2007, 1ƃ);

91 Bego et al.

Balçaj (10 m, 2007, 1Ƃ). Gjirokastër: 1ƃ); Dukat (2006, altitude 415 m, 1Ƃ); Lazarat (350 m, 2006, 1 specimen from Llogora (2007, altitude 822 and 919 m, 1Ƃ pellets); Llongo (2007, 3Ƃ); Koshovicë and 1ƃ); Delvinë: Messopotami (50 m, (2007, 4Ƃ and 1ƃ); Sotirë (2007, 1Ƃ and 1996, degraded woodland, 1 specimen 2ƃ). Kukës: Kolesian (750 m, 2007, 2ƃ); from pellets); Kalasë (30 m, 2006, de- Bicaj (501 m, 2007, 1ƃ). Pogradec: Vër- graded woodland, 3 specimens from pel- dovë (1151 m, 2007, 2Ƃ); Kalivaç (1131 lets); Tepelenë: Zharrë (2006, degraded m, 2007, 1Ƃ); Gështenjas (756 m, 2007, woodland, 1Ƃ). 1Ƃ); Plloçë (813 m, 2007, 1ƃ); Stropckë (813 m, 2007, 1Ƃ); Dardhas (1188 m, Most western broad-toothed field mice 2007, 1Ƃ); Osnat (1355 m, 2007, 1Ƃ). were found in degraded woodland on rocky ground. This is surprising be- The yellow-necked field mouse is the cause open rocky areas are its main most common and widespread small habitat further north, in former Yugos- mammal in Albania (Fig.12), except for lavia (Petrov, 1992). Records are quite coastal lowlands, where its habitats scarce for Albania, nevertheless we have been heavily degraded by agricul- suggest this mouse is widespread on ture and A. sylvaticus predominates. karstic substrates (Fig. 13). In Albania The typical habitat of A. flavicollis is this mouse is present between 350 and forest and woodland: oak forests at 1100 m a.s.l., but it has been recorded 150-860 m a.s.l., beech forests at 1100- up to 1600 m a.s.l. in neighbouring re- 1700 m a.s.l., and mixed forests, pine gions (Petrov, 1992). This species has stands and fir forests at intermediate been previously reported as A. mystaci- altitudes (730-1350 m). Degraded fo- nus (Rosický and Gjini, 1960; Bego, rests, particularly of oak, are as well 1997, 2001), even if Miller (1912) had inhabited as preserved mature stands. already identified a sample from north- Specimens were collected also in hed- ern Albania as A. epimelas. gerows, orchards and Alpine meadows just above the tree-line. Most records Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758 (78%, n = 64) were from areas above 500 m a.s.l. Lushnjë: Xeng, Shën Kolli Monastery A. flavicollis had been previously re- (5m), and Karavasta, Shën Thanasi Monas- ported for Albania by Rosický and Gji- tery (sea level, 2000-2008, 10 specimens ni (1960), Vangjeli (1987b) and Bego from pellets); Bishqethëm, Shën Mari Mo- (1997). nastery (2008, 9 specimens from pellets). Pukë: Kryezi (650 m, 2006, 1Ƃ). Kukës: Nangë (530 m, 2007, 1ƃ). Gjirokastër: Apodemus epimelas (Nehring, 1902) Lazarat (479 m, 2007, 2ƃ); Dunavat (374 m, 2007, 1Ƃ). Tiranë: Tirana (September Tiranë: Mt. Dajti (600 and 1100 m, 1992, 1960; Macholán et al., 2003); Mt. Dajti 3Ƃ and 10ƃ). Tropojë: B.Curri (1993, (1072 m, 2007, 1Ƃ); Feken (1188 m, 2007, degraded woodland, altitude 350 m, 1ƃ); 1Ƃ); Qafë-Mollë (686 m, 2007, 1Ƃ). Korçë: Gollomboç (1995, degraded wood- Skrapar: Radësh (2007, 1ƃ). Vlorë: Qe- land, altitude 900 m, 1ƃ); Vlorë: Llogora paro (May 1958; Macholán et al., 2003). (1996, Pine forest, with very well devel- Korçë: Moglicë (844 m, 2007, 1Ƃ; altitude oped understory, altitude 950 m, 1Ƃ); Llo- 479 m, 1ƃ); Popçisht (906 m, 2007, 1Ƃ gora (2006, altitude 732 – 919 m, 2Ƃ and and 1ƃ). Ersekë: Qafëzezë (837 m, 2007,

92 Small mammals of Albania.

1ƃ). Pogradec: Golik (462 m, 2007, 1ƃ); from pellets). Fier: Apolloni (Pojan, alti- Proptisht (527 m, 2007, 1ƃ); Zamçë (768 tude 0-30 m, 1998, 3 specimens from pel- m, 2007, 1Ƃ); Vërri (572 m, 2007, 2Ƃ). lets); Vajkan, Shën Kolli Monastery (0-20 Sarandë: Saranda (May 1958; Macholán et m, January and April 2008, 19 specimens al., 2003). from pellets). Gjirokastër: Bodrishtë (430 m), Antigone (210 m), Libohovë (350 m), Mus musculus has already been re- and Lazarat (350 m), c. 74 specimens from ported in Albania by Vangjeli (1987b) pellets during 2004-2007. and Bego (1997). As shown by Ma- cholán et al. (2003), the Albanian Mus macedonicus is the most common house mice from Tirana, Qeparo and out-door Mus species in Albania (Fig. Saranda belong to the western long- 15). Based on the disitribution of our tailed group, which is frequently consi- records it is seemingly restricted to the dered an independent species, Mus do- coastal lowlands of central and south- mesticus (cf. Wilson and Reeder, ern Albania. In the districts of Lushnjë 2005). Vangjeli (1987b) reported both and Fier M. macedonicus it is evidently taxa (as subspecies M. m. musculus and sympatric with the morphologically M. m. domesticus) for the agricultural and ecologically similar M. spicilegus. areas of Korça but her material possi- Based on owl pellet content the former bly included also M. macedonicus. is by far more abundant (483 vs. 88 Based on our collections, M. musculus specimens in the district of Lushnjë). is probably widespread in rural and sub-rural areas of Albania, as a sinanth- Mus spicilegus Petenyi, 1882 ropic species, whilst free-living populations mostly belong to M. macedonicus. Durrës: Rrushkulli (1992, close to sea lev- Accordingly, in extensive owl-pellet el, 1 ƃ). Lushnjë: Xeng (at Shën Kolli material from the coastal sites of Xeng monastery, altitude 5m) and Karavasta (at and Karavasta, collected between 2000 Shën Thanasi monastery, close to sea lev- and 2008, we identified only 10 speci- el), 84 specimens from pellets in 2000- mens of M. musculus. Commensal 2008; Bishqethëm (0-5 m, at Shën Mari house mice were found up to c. 1200 m monastery, January and April 2008, 4 spe- a.s.l. (Fig. 14). cimens from pellets). Fier: Darzezë (at Shën e Premte monastery, 2002, sea level, Mus macedonicus Petrov and Ružiü, 1983 3 specimens from pellets); Vajkan (0-20m, 2008, at Shën Kolli monastery, 8 speci- Lushnjë: Divjaka pine forest (1995, 1ƃ; mens from pellets). 2007, 1Ƃ); Xeng (at Shën Kolli monastery, 5 m) and Karavasta (at Shën Thanasi mo- Considering the current known range of nastery, sea level), 350 specimens from M. spicilegus in the south-western Bal- pellets during 2000-2008; Bishqethëm (0-5 kans (Macholán and Vohralík, 1997; m, at Shën Mari monastery, January and Kryštufek and Macholán, 1998), the April 2008, c. 133 specimens from pellets). Delvinë: Messopotami (50 m, 1996, 2006 species is putatively widespread along and 2007, 45 specimens from pellets); the coast, from Shkodra to Vlora Vurg (0-10 m, 2006, 6 specimens from (Fig.16). Its sympatry with M. macedo- pellets); Kalasë (40 m, 2006, 4 specimens nicus requires further attention.

93 Bego et al.

The first record for Albania is based on par: Bogovë (239 m, 2006, 1ƃ). Tepelenë: the re-examination of specimens col- Zharrë (202 m, 2006, 1ƃ). Gjirokastër: lected in the early 1960s (Macholán Lazarat (350 m, 2006, 1 specimen from pel- and Vohralík, 1997). An overlooked lets); Bodrishte (430 m, 2006, 2 specimens report of Mus spicilegus spicilegus from pellets); Lazarat (481 m, 2007, 1Ƃ); from north Albania by Miller (1912) Cfakë (323 m, 2007, 1Ƃ). Lushnjë: Kara- vasta, Shën Thanasi Monastery) (near the sea requires verification. level), and Xeng, Shën Kolli Monastery (5 m, 2000-2008, c. 9 specimens from pellets); Micromys minutus (Pallas, 1771) Divjaka Pine Forest (sea level, 2007, 1ƃ); Bishqethëm, Shën Mari Monastery (0-5 m, Fier: Darzezë, Shën e Premte Monastery 2008, 3 specimens from pellets). Fier: Dar- (close to sea level, 2002, 1 specimen from zezë, Shën e Premte Monastery) (near the pellets). Lushnjë: Xeng, Shën Kolli Monas- sea level, 2002, 7 specimens from pellets); tery (5 m, 2004 and 2007, 3 specimens from Vajkan, Shën Koll Monastery (0-20 m, 2008, pellets); Karavasta, Shën Thanasi Monastery 1 specimen from pellets). Korçë: Maliq- (close to sea level, February 2008, 1 speci- fshat (823 m, 2007, 2Ƃ); Plovisht (804 m, men from pellets); Bishqethëm, Shën Mari 2007, 1ƃ). Pogradec: Piskupat (699 m, Monastery (0-5 m, January and April 2008, 5 2007, 1ƃ); Dardhas (1032 m, 2007, 2Ƃ). specimens from pellets). Gjirokastër: Gji- Ersekë: Shtikë (1171 m, 2007, 2Ƃ and rokastra (2005, 1 specimen from pellets). 2ƃ).

Eleven specimens of the harvest mouse, Rattus rattus has been reported for Al- found in T. alba pellets, are the first evi- bania since the early 1950s by various dence of this species in Albania. Four authors (Rosický and Gjini, 1960; out of five localities are situated in the Vangjeli, 1987b; Bajrami and Serezi Lushnja and Fieri districts, in the central 1981). Based on our sampling, the black part of the coastal lowlands, where the rat is quite widespread and common in last preserved remnants of formerly ex- rural and suburban areas throughout the tensive marshlands are still found (Fig. country, from sea level up to 1200 m 17). The most southerly location (Gjiro- kastra district) consists of scattered a.s.l. (Fig. 18). Vangjeli (1987b) reported patches of Salix, Typha and Phragmites black rats from the agricultural area of along the River Drinos. The harvest Korça. mouse is possibly more widespread in the coastal belt; given its presence in Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769 Montenegro (Petrov, 1992), it certainly occurs also around the Shkodra Lake. Sarandë: Butrint (3 m, 2006, 3 ƃ); Saran- dë-qytet (2007, 1ƃ). Shkodër: Shkodër- Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1758) qytet (2007, 1ƃ). Lezhë: Kune (sea level, 2007, 1 ƃ). Berat: Gjoroven (2007, 1Ƃ). Korçë: Moglicë (479 and 844 m, 2007, 1Ƃ Kukës: Bicaj (501 m, 2006 and 2007, 3ƃ and 1ƃ); Lozhan (739 m, 2007, 1Ƃ). and 1Ƃ). Has: Tobël (534 m, 2006, 2ƃ); Sefoll (539 m, 2006, 1ƃ). Pukë: Mehaj (806 The brown rat is probably widespread m, 2006, 1ƃ). Tiranë: Tirana city (100 m, throughout Albania, mainly in urban 2Ƃ and 1ƃ: Bajrami and Serezi, 1981). areas below 1000 m a.s.l. (Fig. 18). Our Gramsh: Çekrezë (219 m, 2006, 1ƃ). Skra- observations suggest that it dominates

94 Small mammals of Albania. over the black rat in urban areas. The Delvinë: Messopotami (50 m, 1996, 2006 species wasrecorded in Albania for the and 2007); Kalasë (40 m, 2006), and Vurg first time by Rosický and Gjini (0-10 m, 2006, 22 specimens from pellets). (1960).Vangjeli (1987) reported brown Gjirokastër: Castle (520 m), Antigone (210 m), Lazarat (350 m), Bodrishtë (430 rats from the agricultural area of Korça. m), and Libohovë (230 m), c. 9 specimens from pellets during 2006-2007. Pogradec: Myodes glareolus (Schreber, 1780) Dardhas (1188 m, October 2007, 1Ƃ). Vlorë: Llogora (1050 m, May 1958, 2 spe- Korçë: Dardhë (1438 m, 2007, 1Ƃ); Vosko- cimens; AndƟra, 1991). pojë (1488 mm, 2007, 1ƃ). The Balkan pine vole is a rare and little Myodes glareolus is recorded for the known Balkan endemic. It has been first time in Albania. Both localities con- observed in only 13 localities (Kryštu- sisted of high altitude, dense, mixed for- fek and Petkovski, 2003) but its poten- est of beech, fir and pine, with well de- tial range might cover an area of c. veloped understory (Fig. 19). The bank 40,000 km2 in Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, vole might be widespread in the moun- Macedonia, and Greece (Shenbrot and tainous forests of eastern and northern Krassnov, 2005). Our collection in- Albania, which putatively represent the cludes at least 31 specimens found in southern border of its range (cf. Mit- pellets and a pregnant female (with six chell-Jones et al., 1999). embryos) captured in a small clearing inside mixed deciduous woodland in Microtus levis Miller, 1908 Pogradeci district (Fig. 20).

Delvinë: Messopotami (50 m, 1996, 3 Microtus thomasi (Barrett-Hamilton, 1903) specimens from pellets); Kalasë (40 m, 2006, 1 specimen from pellets). Fier: Apolloni, Delvinë: Messopotami (50 m, 1996, 2006 Pojan (1998, 14 specimens from pellets). and 2007, 111 specimens from pellets); Gjirokastër: Gjirokastra (2004, 1 specimen Kalasë (40 m, 2006, 51 specimens from from pellets). pellets); Vurg (0-10 m, 2006, 5 specimens from pellets). Fier: Apolloni, Pojan (0-30 Considering the ranges of the two sibling m, 1998, 42 specimens from pellets); Dar- Microtus species in eastern Macedonia zezë, Shën e Premte Monastery (close to (Petrov, 1992) and adjacent Greece sea level, 2002, 26 specimens from pellets); (Sofianidou and Vohralík, 1991), the Vajkan, Shën Koll Monastery (0-20 m, material collected in Albania (Fig. 19) 2008, 292 specimens from pellets). belong to M. levis, rather than to M. Lushnjë: Xeng, Shën Kolli Monastery, and arvalis. Karyotype evidence however is Karavasta, Shën Thanasi Monastery (2001- required to unambiguously ascertain 2008, c. 188 specimens from pellets); Bish- qethëm, Shën Mari Monastery (0-5 m, Jan- their taxonomic identity. Vangjeli uary and April 2008, 85 specimens from (1987a) was the first to report M. levis pellets). Gjirokastër: Gjirokastra Castle (as M. epiroticus) for Albania, specifi- (520 m), Antigone (210 m), Lazarat (350 cally for the Korça agricultural area. m), Libohovë (230 m), and Bodrishtë (430 m), c. 130 specimens from pellets during Microtus felteni Malec and Storch, 1963 2005-2007.

95 Bego et al.

In Albania, Thomas’ pine vole is the of small terrestrial mammals in Albania. most common vole in the diet of Tyto The present list is far from being com- alba and our collection includes 911 plete and the presence of a further 11 specimens. Although all our records are species is beyond doubt: four shrews from the coastal lowlands (Fig. 21), we (Sorex araneus, S. minutus, S. alpinus, assume that Thomas’ pine vole is prob- and Neomys fodiens), one mole (Talpa ably more widespread at low and me- europaea) and six rodents (Dinaromys dium altitudes (cf. Shenbrot and Krass- bogdanovi, Microtus arvalis, Microtus nov, 2005). subterraneus, Chionomys nivalis, Arvi- cola amphibius, and Spalax leucodon). DISCUSSION The four shrews and at least four rodents (D. bogdnovi, M. arvalis, M. subterra- We report the occurrence of 24 species neus and C. nivalis) are known from

Figures 2 - 9. Small mammals records in Albania. 2-E. romanicus, 3-N. anomalus, 4-C. leucodon, 5-C. suaveolens, 6-S. etruscus, 7-T. caeca (circles) and T. stankovici (dots), 8-S. vulgaris, 9-G. glis (circles) and D. nitedula (dots).

96 Small mammals of Albania.

Figures 10 - 21. Small mammals records in Albania: 10-M. avellanarius, 11-A. sylvaticus, 12-A. flavicollis, 13-A. epimelas, 14-M. musculus, 15-M. macedonicus, 16-M. spicilegus, 17-M. minutus, 18-R. rattus (circles) and R. norvegicus (dots), 19-M. glareolus (circles) and M. levis (dots), 20-M. felteni, 21-M. thomasi.

97 Bego et al. mesic habitats in the mountains along chromosomal variation, although they the border between Albania and Monte- are still listed under one binominal. For negro (e.g. Mt. Komovi), Kosovo (Mt. example M. thomasi, a vole endemic to Žljeb) and Macedonia (Mt. Šara, Mt. the western Balkans, consists of several Jablanica; Petrov, 1992, own unpub- allopatric cytotypes of unknown tax- lished data). The water vole (A. amphi- onomic status (Zima, 2004). Although bius) has been recorded around two chromosomal variability is perhaps not lakes shared between Albania and Mon- indicative of cryptic speciation, it reveals tenegro (Lake Shkodra) and Macedonia the phylogeographic structuring of a (Lake Ohrid; Petrov, 1992). Habitat de- small-range endemism. The Balkan Pe- gradation increases aridity in forests ninsula was one of the major refugia (McCay and Komoroski, 2004). The from European glaciation over the last overexploitation of a considerable pro- two million years of climatic oscilla- portion of woodland in Albania might tions. Unsurprisingly, given the high partially explain the absence in our sam- topographic diversity of the region, phy- ples of red-toothed shrews, a group logeographic studies based on molecular known to be sensitive to humidity markers have revealed many microrefu- (MacCracken et al., 1985). S. leucodon gia within the major refugium (e.g. has probably been unrecorded for the Krystufek et al., 2007). The role played lack of adequate sampling methods. It is by Albania as a refugium is still mostly also noteworthy that nine of the species unknown. listed above are close to the southern Finally, it must be stressed that there are borders of their distribution in Macedo- major conservation issues associated nia or northern Greece (Mitchell-Jones et with Albania. The number of extinc- al., 1999), and thus are likely to be quite tions strongly correlates with the num- rare in Albania. In any case, T. europaea ber of endemisms, the species which and M. arvalis are presumably present in display both restricted ranges and low the mountains north of the River Drin. densities suffering the highest risk of Eight species (the four shrews, D. bog- extinction (Nott and Pimm 1997). All danovi, M. subterraneus, C. nivalis and mammalian species endemic to the S. leucodon) can be expected to occur in Balkans should receive the greatest the mountainous habitats of northern and attention with respect to conservation eastern Albania, therefore future field and research. Throughout the Balkans sampling should focus on these regions. and Albania in particular the reality of The taxonomic identification of our ma- conservation issues sharply contrasts terial was based on morphology. Al- with these requirements. The recent though such an approach provides relia- decline of the Mt. Galiþica population ble results for the great majority of the of D. bogdanovi, a western Balkans taxa listed above, in some cases (e.g. endemic, is representative of a wider genus Talpa and Microtus arvalis-levis situation (Kryštufek and Bužan, 2008). group) our results need to be streng- The formal verification of its presence thened by karyological studies. Further- in Albania would lay the basis for in- more, in the Balkans several taxa display dispensable conservation actions.

98 Small mammals of Albania.

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