Arboretums as habitats for birds and mammals (a case of the Botanical Garden of the National Forestry University of Ukraine)

The arboretum of the Botanical Garden of the National Forestry University of Ukraine is located in the central part of Lviv. The research conducted here from 2003 to 2025 made it possible to determine the list of birds and mammals that occur here, to analyse the mutual influence of the plant community and the fauna of birds and mammals. It was found that the best conditions are found here for the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris L.). The stone marten (Martes foina Erxleb.) is periodically observed. Cats (Felis catus L.) are constantly present in the arboretum. In 2021–2025, 39 species of birds were observed in different seasons. The predominant group by the status of stay are nomadic birds (61.5%), which confirms the value of the arboretum as part of an eco-corridor and a key area for the exchange of bird and mammal fauna with other gardens and parks. According to a thorough survey of the crowns of all trees and bushes in winter 2025, it was found that birds found good conditions for building a nest or hollow on 16 tree species. It is important to note that the area of the protected object is quite small; it is only 0.81 hectares. Trees and shrubs growing in the territory of the protected area undergo annual maintenance. As a rule, this includes pruning branches and shaping crowns. Nests of squirrels and birds (ravens, pigeons) were found in 63% of cases on tree species that are introduced. The article presents data on the age structure of trees with nests. The analysis of crowns for bird breeding was also carried out in terms of shape, closeness, and density. It has been established crowns that are oval, spherical, and ovoid in shape, open and dense in density, and small loose in texture are the most suitable for nesting birds and arranging the grove with perches. The species of plants that form large crowns have been identified, but birds and mammals always avoid them. The surveys of mistletoe bushes revealed that birds choose it to improve nest camouflage. In the winter of 2025, four old nests were found on trees in mistletoe bushes. The impact of animals on the arboretum plantations is the spread of mistletoe seeds on the crowns, feeding on various parts of plants, moving seeds to ground caches, which later give rise to new plant specimens (typical for ravens and squirrels). The trunks of some trees and bushes are damaged by cats.