On methods of studying the space usage by common shrews

Methods of gathering and processing the data on spatial structure of common shrew populations, are considered. A trap for live animals of original con struction proved to be the most effective for use. The survival of animals in the traps was maximum, when intervals between checks were shorter than 1 .5 h. The total daily exposure of traps for 3 hours with two subsequent. ch ecks in daytime is considered as optimal. The data, sufficient for statisti cal analysis, might collected for a fortnight. Arrangement of traps in line is the most effective for observing the territory studied. The use of form al characteristics will permit one to define a mode of space usage - the sh are of jointly visited traps, frequency of visits, and the average number o f neighbors. A procedure of calculating the density of animals, based on th e data obtained by using traps arranged in line, is suggested. The results are compared with the data obtained on the grid.