Small mammals at community refuse dumps as reservoirs of pathogens and parasites]

Five-year studies (1981-1986) were performed to investigate a total number of 2589 small mammals of 18 species. Refuse dumps are marked for highly specific conditions. The difference between refuse dumps and natural habitats consists in more sufficient quantity of food, better sheltering possibilities and in highly specific microclimate particularly. As a result of aerobic and anaerobic decompositions of organic materials, temperature in dumps is approximately 50 degrees C. From ecological point of view mammalian populations in refuse dumps could be classified in three groups according to the degree of their adaptation to this specific habitat: 1. permanent, abundant species, well-adapted to and closely connected with the habitat of dumps (Crocidura suaveolens, Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, Apodemus sylvaticus, Microtus arvalis), 2. permanent, common species which are, however, loosely connected with this habitat (Sorex araneus, Mustela nivalis), 3. rare species whose occurrence in this habitat is largely accidental.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)