Mammal species richness and relative abundance of small mammals in a subtropical wet forest of Central America

Mammalia ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan RABINOWITZ ◽  
Ben G. JR. NOTTINGHAM
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Central America ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Subtropical Wet Forest

The scientific, financial and ethical implications of three common wildlife-trapping designs

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (8) ◽  
pp. 690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen P. Waudby ◽  
Sophie Petit ◽  
Matthew J. Gill
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Capture Rate ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Small Mammal Species ◽  
Capture Rates

Abstract ContextTrapping design influences information collected about wildlife populations and biodiversity. Trapping is also resource-intensive and has animal welfare implications. AimsThe scientific, financial and ethical performances of three trap designs were compared for estimating diversity and sampling small vertebrates. MethodsSmall vertebrates were trapped over 16 trapping sessions, from April 2009 to May 2011, with aluminium box-style (Elliott) traps and two pitfall trap designs (shallow–wide and deep–narrow), in an arid environment. Key resultsShallow pitfalls recorded highest overall species richness (S=22) and diversity (qD=10.622), reptile diversity (qD=8.112) and reptile capture rates (13.600 individuals per 100 trap nights). Shallow and deep pitfalls sampled ~79.0% and 85.0% (respectively) more small mammals than did Elliott traps. Deep pitfalls sampled the greatest diversity (qD=6.017) and number (29.700 individuals per 100 trap nights) of small mammals, and captured the greatest number of small mammal species (0.003) and individuals (0.106) per dollar. Shallow pitfalls were the most cost-efficient trap type for sampling reptile species (0.003) and individuals (0.044) per dollar. Between-session recapture rates were greatest in Elliott traps, indicating an increased likelihood of biased capture rates for certain small mammal species over time. Elliott traps were the least efficient traps on most scientific and cost measures, and recorded the greatest overall recapture rates, particularly for Sminthopsis crassicaudata and S. macroura. Body size of one species only, the nationally threatened Pseudomys australis, influenced its capture rate, with larger individuals more likely to be caught in deep pitfalls. Mortality was highest in pitfalls and mostly related to interactions between animals caught in the same trap. Key conclusionsShallow pitfalls are suitable for studies focused on estimating species richness, and reptile diversity and abundance. Deep pitfalls are cost-effective for sampling small mammals. Ethical issues associated with pitfalls could be managed by checking traps more often at night, and/or including materials that provide increased protection from predators caught in the same trap, particularly during periods of high abundance. ImplicationsTrap design profoundly influences cost-effectiveness and welfare outcomes of wildlife research. We provide a tool to assist cost-benefit related decisions.

Elevational zonation of mammals in the central Philippines

1989 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence R. Heaney ◽  
Paul D. Heideman ◽  
Eric A. Rickart ◽  
Ruth B. Utzurrum ◽  
J. S. H. Klompen
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Oceanic Island ◽  
Fruit Bats ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Land Bridge ◽  
Fruit Bat ◽  
Murid Rodents ◽  
Forested Areas

ABSTRACTTrapping and netting of small mammals on a land-bridge island (Leyte) and on an oceanic island (Negros) revealed similar patterns of elevational change in abundance and species richness. Fruit bats (Pteropodidae) reached their greatest local densities in agricultural areas, and were least abundant in montane mossy forest. The fruit bats found to be common in agri-cultural areas are widespread in Southeast Asia: in contrast, species that were most common in forested areas are Philippine endemics. Fruit bat abundance was greater on the oceanic island than on the land-bridge island. Trappable small mammals (families Soricidae and Muridae) showed no change in species richness with increasing elevation, but did show a gradual increase in overall abundance. Even though the oceanic island was depauperate of non-volant mammal species, it had the higher abundance of non-volant mammal individuals; however, this may have been due primarily to differences associated with the elevation of sampling sites. Murid rodents at the higher elevations on Leyte tend to be those that are members of the old endemic group of Philippine murids, and those at lower elevations tend to be members of more recently arrived groups. Most non-volant small mammals at all elevations on the oceanic Negros, and in agri-cultural areas on Leyte, are non-native species.

scholarly journals Mammals of medium and large size in a fragmented cerrado landscape in northeastern Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Check List ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo G. Lessa ◽  
Henrique Alves ◽  
Lena Geise ◽  
Rebeca M. F. Barreto
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Great Part ◽  
Anthropogenic Disturbances ◽  
Minas Gerais ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Minas Gerais State ◽  
The World

The diversity of Brazilian mammals is among the highest of the world. However this exceptional diversity is still widely unknown and great part of it is seriously threatened by human activities. In the present study we estimated species richness and relative abundance of medium and large size mammals for the region of Brasilândia de Minas, a city situated in a fragmented and poorly studied cerrado area of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. We obtained 63 records of 24 species, including eight species threatened with extinction. Our results support the hypothesis that many of the cerrado mammal species may be able to persist in fragmented agricultural landscapes. This paper shows that despite the anthropogenic disturbances detected, the studied area plays an important role in the conservation of medium and large size mammals in the cerrado biome.

Test of the prey-base hypothesis to explain use of red squirrel midden sites by American martens

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (8) ◽  
pp. 1372-1379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean E Pearson ◽  
Leonard F Ruggiero
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Red Squirrel ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Landscape Variables ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
American Martens

We tested the prey-base hypothesis to determine whether selection of red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) midden sites (cone caches) by American martens (Martes americana) for resting and denning could be attributed to greater abundance of small-mammal prey. Five years of livetrapping at 180 sampling stations in 2 drainages showed that small mammals, particularly red-backed voles (Clethrionomys gapperi) and shrews (Sorex spp.), were more abundant at midden sites than at non-midden sites. However, logistic regression indicated that middens occurred in spruce–fir (Picea engelmannii – Abies lasiocarpa) stands, being correlated with decreasing lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) basal area, decreasing distance to water, and increasing canopy cover. Since middens were not randomly distributed, we constructed multiple linear regression models to determine the variability in small-mammal abundance and species richness attributable to structural and landscape variables. Regression models indicated that abundance of small mammals, red-backed voles, and uncommon small mammals could be predicted from structural and landscape variables, but midden presence did not significantly improve these models. Midden presence was a significant but weak predictor of small-mammal species richness. Our data do not support the prey-base hypothesis for explaining martens' selection of resting and denning sites near red squirrel middens at the scales we tested.

Effects of edges and habitats on small mammals in a prairie ecosystem

1998 ◽  
Vol 76 (11) ◽  
pp. 2020-2025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Pasitschniak-Arts ◽  
François Messier
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Edge Effect ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Microtus Pennsylvanicus ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
South Central ◽  
Abundance And Distribution ◽  
Prairie Ecosystem

To investigate the abundance and distribution of small mammals relative to edge in a fragmented prairie landscape, small mammals were trapped in south-central Saskatchewan from 1991 to 1993 in four different habitat types: idle pasture, delayed hay, dense nesting cover, and rights-of-way. In total, 995 small mammals, representing nine species, were captured on 14 182 trap-nights. No edge effect was recorded in idle pasture or dense nesting cover; however, an edge effect was observed in delayed hay fields. Edge effect across all habitats was dependent on season: relative abundance of small mammals was significantly higher along edges in spring but not in summer. Of the two most common species captured, Peromyscus maniculatus showed no affinity for edges, while Microtus pennsylvanicus was significantly more abundant along edges than in the habitat interior. Relative abundance of small mammals was highest in dense nesting cover, intermediate in delayed hay and along rights-of-way, and lowest in idle pasture. Relative abundance was also lower in spring than in summer. Species richness was higher along edges than in the habitat interior and was also greater in summer than in spring. Species diversity showed no edge or season effect.

Usefulness of funnel traps in catching small reptiles and mammals, with comments on the effectiveness of the alternatives

2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham G. Thompson ◽  
Scott A. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Sampling Bias ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrates ◽  
Environmental Impact Assessments

Funnel traps were used in conjunction with pit traps (PVC buckets and pipes), Elliott traps and cage traps at 10 sites in southern Western Australia to examine sampling bias of trap types. Funnel traps seldom catch small mammals but catch more of the medium-sized and large terrestrial, diurnal snakes and some of the widely foraging, medium-sized skinks, medium-sized dragon lizards and arboreal geckos that climb out of PVC pit traps. For pit traps, buckets catch more reptiles, particularly smaller ones, than pipes. However, pipes catch more mammals than buckets. Elliott traps catch the same suite of small mammals as pipes plus some of the large, trappable species, such as Rattus spp. Cage traps are useful for trapping Tiliqua spp. and medium-sized mammals such as possums and bandicoots that are unlikely to be caught in pit and funnel traps. Funnel traps, pit traps and cage traps should be used in surveys of small terrestrial vertebrates to determine species richness and relative abundance in Western Australia and probably elsewhere. However, as cage traps are mostly useful for catching Tiliqua spp. and medium-sized mammals, they need only be used in faunal surveys undertaken for environmental impact assessments specifically targeting these species.

Effects of grassland succession on communities of small mammals in Illinois, USA

Biologia ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Prescribed Burning ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Additional Time ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
The North ◽  
Native Grasslands ◽  
Open Ground ◽  
Grassland Habitats

AbstractNative grasslands are among the most imperiled of the North American ecosystems, with only ∼4% of their pre-settlement area remaining, but some grassland habitats are being restored and maintained through such methods as prescribed burning and mowing, which may provide habitat for animal species endemic to this ecosystem. I determined how succession of the plant community, due to a four-year rotational burn in 16 grassland fragments, influenced species richness and local abundances of small mammals in Illinois, USA. Species richness was relatively low in grasslands that were recently burned and highest in older successional grasslands. The most abundant species, Microtus ochrogaster, M. pennslyvanicus, Peromyscus maniculatus, P. leucopus, and Reithrodontomys megalotis showed very different responses to succession; Microtus spp. were most abundant in older successional grasslands, preferring areas with more cover of bunchgrasses, whereas the other three species were relatively abundant in grasslands of all successional ages. P. maniculatus was most abundant in any habitat that had ample open ground. The grasslands at my study site are a mixture of restored and non-restored grasslands. Overall, adding additional time between burns and restoring more of the grasslands by planting bunchgrasses that are native to this area may increase abundances of most mammal species at my study site.

Variation in mammal species richness and relative abundance in the Karoo

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 325-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoë Woodgate ◽  
Greg Distiller ◽  
Justin O’Riain
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Mammal Species

scholarly journals Management Intensity and Forest Successional Stages as Significant Determinants of Small Mammal Communities in a Lowland Floodplain Forest

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1320
Author(s):  
Josef Suchomel ◽  
Jan Šipoš ◽  
Ondřej Košulič
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Clethrionomys Glareolus ◽  
Intensive Management ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Management Intensity ◽  
Intensively Managed ◽  
Small Mammal Species

The conversion of forests from complex natural ecosystems to simplified commercial woodlands is one of the major causes of biodiversity loss. To maintain biodiversity, we need to understand how current management practices influence forest ecosystems. We studied the effects of forest successional stage and management intensity on the abundance, species richness, and assemblage composition of small mammals. Our results show that management intensity significantly contributes to reducing the number of species after clearcutting. We revealed that intensively managed clearings can make the dispersal or foraging activity of small mammals difficult and hence negatively influence their abundance and species richness. The significantly higher species richness of small mammal species was recorded within more extensively rather than intensively managed clearings. In contrast, we did not observe significant changes in species richness and abundance after intensive management in old-growth forests. Species Clethrionomys glareolus and Apodemus flavicollis reached the greatest abundance in old-growth forest patches. On the other hand, Microtus arvalis and Microtus subterraneus were species mainly associated with the successionally youngest forest stands. Our analysis suggests that intensive management interventions (i.e., vegetation destruction by pesticides and wood debris removal by soil milling) in clearings produce unhostile environments for majority of the small mammal species.

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