Mammals of Valdai Lakeland – 80 years later

AbstractThe article presents a complete species list of the modern mammal fauna and the zoogeographical analysis of the Valdai Lakeland (north-west of European Russia). The current state of the fauna therein is compared to the data reported by S.U. Stroganov in 1936. Results of the recently conducted genetic and ecological research are presented. New data on sibling species and intraspecific forms of Eulipotyphla and Rodentia are analysed. The current increase in the Valdai Lakeland forest cover accounts for the prevalence of forest fauna and, especially, for that of southern taiga species. Due to alien species the ecosystem role of semi-aquatic mammals has significantly increased.