Field observation of Spalax arenarius during 2016-2021

Study Extent

The records were collected during 7 expeditions to Kherson and Mykolaiv Regions: April 2016, November 2016, May 2017, July 2017, June 2019, August 2020, May 2021. The expeditions covered an area between: Kakhovka-Chaplynka-Kalanchak-Skadovsk-Lazurne-Slipushynske-Chulakivka-Ivanivka-end of Kinburn Spit-Heroiske-Rybalche-Hola Prystan-Kardashinka-Oleshky-Kozachi Laheri-Nova Kakhovka.

Sampling

Most of the mole rats were identified based on the presence of specific mounds. Only fresh mounds were registered. When the population was continuous coordinates were recorded evenly every 100-250m. Geographic coordinates were recorded using handheld GPS navigator Garmin eTrex 30 and 30x. WGS84 datum was used. To achieve maximum precision GPS+GLONASS were used, resulting in less than 5m accuracy in most cases. Elevation above sea level was recorded using built-in barometric altimeter with Garmin eTrex 30/30x. From eight mole rats DNA samples were collected, and NCBI GenBank accession numbers included.

Quality Control

The author is fully responsible for the quality of data provided within the dataset.

Method steps

1. Recording coordinates of mole rat mounds with GPS during driving and walking.
2. DNA collection.
3. Import occurrence from GPS device to Garmin BaseCamp.
4. Export occurences from BaseCamp to tab-delimited txt file and make DwC compatible database.

The dataset consists of records of Spalax arenarius only.

1. Animalia
   rank: kingdom
2. Chordata
   rank: phylum
3. Mammalia
   rank: class
4. Rodentia
   rank: order
5. Spalacidae
   rank: family
6. Spalax
   rank: genus
7. Spalax arenarius
   rank: species

The dataset consists of records made in Lower Dnieper sands in Kherson and Mykolaiv administrative regions of Ukraine.