Introduced semiaquatic mammals in the Uvs Nuur Hollow (Current distribution and ecological vectors of naturalization)

Research reveals that the success of introduced semiaquatic mammals—muskrat, American mink, and Eurasian beaver—in the Uvs Nuur Basin hinges on trophic niche availability rather than postintroduction history or abiotic factors. Herbivorous species like the beaver, with access to stable food resources, exhibit greater adaptive success in this harsh, continental climate compared to carnivorous counterparts. The study highlights behavioral adaptations, such as the evolutionary stability of the beaver's building instinct, which facilitates colonization. While all three species occupy similar geographic ranges, their population trends and ecological impacts vary significantly, underscoring the critical role of trophic niche diversity in naturalization processes.

Saveljev, A. P., Shar, S., Scopin, A. E., Otgonbaatar, M., Soloviev, V. A., Putincev, N. I., & Lhamsuren, N. (2015). Introduced semiaquatic mammals in the Uvs Nuur Hollow (Current distribution and ecological vectors of naturalization). Russian Journal of Biological Invasions, 6(1), 37–50. https://doi.org/10.1134/s2075111715010051