ИСТИНА

One of the fauna species in "Belogorie" natural reserve is the southern Russian mole rat (Spalax microphthalmus), which is a subterranean rodent with a long life period. The distribution area of the species includes steppe and forest-steppe zones of Russia and Ukraine between the Dnieper and the Volga rivers, as well as similar landscapes in Moldova [2]. The southern border of the area is limited by the Caucasus mountain range. The mole rat lives in areas occupied by herbaceous vegetation; although it is also found in the borderline of the forest, on clearings and along forest roads. Mole rats are notorious for harming agricultural crops, e.g. maize, legumes, but most vulnerable are vegetables and bulbous flowers in farmers’ gardens. The mounds of soil that are associated with mole rats’ activity obstruct farming, especially mechanized grass mowing and plowing, as well as downgrades the quality of field roads.