Transformation of Steppe Ecosystems of the Central Circaucasus on the Example of the Small Mammal Complex of the Arik Ridge (North-East of Kabardino-Balkaria)

New data on the fauna of small mammals inhabiting both natural (steppe) and agriculturally modified biotopes of the Arik Range (Central Ciscaucasia) were obtained. The species composition was identified, the dynamics of the species population, and the structural features of small mammal communities before and after deratization measures were studied. The species registered were representatives of two faunistic complexes: desert-steppe and forest. The presence of the steppe mouse (A. witherbyi) in Kabardino-Balkaria was recorded for the first time. The indicator and dominant species in the small rodent communities of the Arik Range was the house mouse (Mus musculus). Deratization works had a significant impact on the number and structure of the studied communities, and to a lesser extent—on the values of the Shannon and Simpson indices.