EFFECT OF LITTLE SUSLIK ON PRODUCTIVITY OF PASTURE VEGETATION IN SEMIDESERT OF THE NORTHERN CASPIAN REGION

The author studied the trophic effect of susliks (ground squirrels) on vegetation with increased population density of little suslik, and th e vegetation's reaction to this action. It was established that little suslik uses food stores only up to a certain level, which does not ex ceed 30-40% of the plants' yield of aboveground material. Appropriatio n of this amount of vegetation by susliks does not reduce the plant co ver's overall productivity. Under the influence of susliks, new groupi ngs of plant species develop, which well withstand repeated appropriat ion of their plant material and produce a large aftermath.