scholarly journals Relative abundance of the Prairie Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata longicauda) in southwestern Alberta

2013 ◽  
Vol 127 (2) ◽  
pp. 131
Author(s):  
Garry E. Hornbeck ◽  
Dan Soprovich
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Peromyscus Maniculatus ◽  
Capture Probability ◽  
Deer Mice ◽  
Microtus Spp ◽  
Capture Rates

Prairie Long-tailed Weasels (Mustela frenata longicauda) were live-trapped during fall 2005, 2006, and 2007 at Pine Coulee Reservoir and during fall 2005, 2008, and 2010 at Twin Valley Reservoir in southwestern Alberta. Our objective was to estimate the relative abundance of the Long-tailed Weasel and to estimate the relative abundance of small mammal prey. Body size and capture rates are reported for Long-tailed Weasels, and we report capture rates of small mammals. Annual capture rates for Long-tailed Weasels at Pine Coulee Reservoir were 0.44, 0.41, and 0.50 individuals per 100 corrected trap-nights (0.42, 0.38, and 0.48 individuals/100 trap-nights) in 2005, 2006, and 2007, respectively. No Long-tailed Weasels were captured at Twin Valley Reservoir. The probability of capturing zero Long-tailed Weasels at Twin Valley Reservoir was very low, assuming a true capture probability equivalent to that observed at Pine Coulee Reservoir. Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) were the most abundant small mammals captured in both project areas. Few shrews (Sorex spp.) and voles (Microtus spp.) were captured in either area.

scholarly journals Can camera trapping provide accurate estimates of small mammal ( Myodes rutilus and Peromyscus maniculatus ) density in the boreal forest?

2015 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra Villette ◽  
Charles J. Krebs ◽  
Thomas S. Jung ◽  
Rudy Boonstra
Keyword(s):  
Boreal Forest ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Peromyscus Maniculatus ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Camera Trapping ◽  
Deer Mice ◽  
Hit Rate ◽  
Myodes Rutilus ◽  
Feasible Alternative

Abstract Estimating population densities of small mammals (< 100g) has typically been carried out by intensive livetrapping, but this technique may be stressful to animals and the effort required is considerable. Here, we used camera traps to detect small mammal presence and assessed if this provided a feasible alternative to livetrapping for density estimation. During 2010–2012, we used camera trapping in conjunction with mark–recapture livetrapping to estimate the density of northern red-backed voles ( Myodes rutilus ) and deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus ) in the boreal forest of Yukon, Canada. Densities for these 2 species ranged from 0.29 to 9.21 animals/ha and 0 to 5.90 animals/ha, respectively, over the course of this investigation. We determined if hit window—the length of time used to group consecutive videos together as single detections or “hits”—has an effect on the correlation between hit rate and population density. The relationship between hit rate and density was sensitive to hit window duration for Myodes with R2 values ranging from 0.45 to 0.59, with a 90-min hit window generating the highest value. This relationship was not sensitive to hit window duration for Peromyscus , with R2 values for the tested hit windows ranging from 0.81 to 0.84. Our results indicate that camera trapping may be a robust method for estimating density of small rodents in the boreal forest when the appropriate hit window duration is selected and that camera traps may be a useful tool for the study of small mammals in boreal forest habitat.

The influence of clear-cut logging and residual leave material on small mammal populations in aspen-dominated boreal mixedwoods

2001 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 483-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A Moses ◽  
Stan Boutin
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Peromyscus Maniculatus ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Reproductive Activity ◽  
Deer Mice ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Boreal Mixedwoods ◽  
Live Tree

We investigated responses of populations of common small mammals to variation in the amount of standing trees and residual woody material retained during logging in aspen-dominated, boreal mixedwood forest in north-central Alberta. Experimentally manipulated levels of residual material, with two replicates per level, were (i) "zero residual": clear-cut and no woody debris (tree tops and limbs); (ii) "low residual": clear-cut and woody debris; (iii) "moderate residual": 10% basal area standing live tree retention, and woody debris; and (iv) "uncut": 100% uncut. Patterns of small mammal abundance were similar throughout the study on uncut and moderate-residual grids, where southern red-backed voles (Clethrionomys gapperi Vigors) and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus Wagner) were numerically dominant. In contrast, C. gapperi were virtually absent from the low- and zero-residual grids during the breeding season following logging and occurred at low numbers in the following 2 years. Peromyscus maniculatus were common on low- and zero-residual grids in all years. We found no evidence that rates of reproductive activity and (or) survival in C. gapperi and P. maniculatus were affected by logging treatments. Meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus Ord) were uncommon on uncut and moderate-residual grids throughout the study but were abundant on both low-residual grids and one zero-residual grid, particularly in the second year following logging, when they exhibited irruptive dynamics in midsummer. In sum, relative abundances of common small mammals were most affected by intensive (clear-cut) logging, and our results suggest that the experimental retention of at least 10% basal area on cutovers may reduce some of these effects.

scholarly journals Do dense layers of invasive plants elevate the foraging intensity of small mammals in temperate deciduous forests? A case study from Pennsylvania, USA

NeoBiota ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 ◽  
pp. 73-88
Author(s):  
Ryan M. Utz ◽  
Alysha Slater ◽  
Hannah R. Rosche ◽  
Walter P. Carson
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
Invasive Plants ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Capture Rate ◽  
Tree Seedling ◽  
Invasive Shrub ◽  
Temperate Deciduous ◽  
Temperate Deciduous Forests ◽  
Capture Rates

Monospecific stands of invasive plants can dramatically restructure habitat for fauna, thereby elevating population densities or promoting foraging of consumer species who benefit in the altered habitat. For example, dense stands of invasive plants may protect small mammals from predators, which in turn could increase foraging pressure on seeds that small mammals feed upon. We used a before-after, control-impact experimental design to test whether small mammal capture rates were higher and giving-up densities (GUDs) lower beneath dense stands of Berberis thunbergii, an invasive shrub with a rapidly expanding range throughout eastern North America. Our experimental design included three plot categories: 1) plots heavily invaded by B. thunbergii, 2) control plots lacking invasive shrub cover, and 3) invaded plots where we eradicated B. thunbergii midway through the study. Although our overall small mammal capture rate was low, small mammal captures were 65% higher in B. thunbergii invaded habitat relative to control plots and eradication lowered capture rates by 77%. GUDs were also 26% higher within B. thunbergii relative to control plots and eradication decreased GUDs by 65%. Our findings suggest that small mammals perceive dense stands of B. thunbergii as relatively safe foraging habitat. Prior surveys within our study locations revealed dramatically depressed tree seedling densities under B. thunbergii, thus invasive plants may promote intensive foraging by small mammals and reduce recruitment for species with foraged seeds or seedlings.

scholarly journals Giardia and Other Parasites of Small Mammals in Grand Teton National Park

1989 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 125-127
Author(s):  
William O'Dell ◽  
Raychel Watkins ◽  
Aelita Pinter
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
National Park ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Microtus Spp

The objectives of this study are to document the effects of parasitism on vole (Microtus spp.) population dynamics and to determine the potential of small mammals in Grand Teton National Park to serve as reservoirs of human parasites. Immediate goals for 1989 were to (1) continue the documentation of the incidence and prevalence of small mammal parasites, (2) determine the age at which Giardia infections are contracted by the Microtus host, (3) identify ticks associated with small mammals, and (4) survey small mammals for Babesia infections.

scholarly journals BAIT PREFERENCES BY DIFFERENT SMALL MAMMAL ASSEMBLAGES FOR EFFECTIVE CAGE-TRAPPING

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Farah Shafawati Mohd-Taib ◽  
Siti Nabilah Ishak
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Oil Palm ◽  
Peanut Butter ◽  
Sweet Potatoes ◽  
Palm Fruit ◽  
Butter Oil ◽  
Salted Fish ◽  
Mammal Assemblages ◽  
Capture Rates

The ecological study of small mammals often uses the cage-trapping method, installed with baits. Capture rates vary according to different baits used. We want to determine the bait preferences by different small mammal groups. The cage-trapping approach used common domestic bait types available, namely, aromatic banana, sweet potato with peanut butter, oil palm fruit, dried salted fish, jackfruit, and roasted coconut flesh. Sampling was conducted in three different habitat categories, namely urban, semi-urban, and recreational forests, located in Selangor, Malaysia, for one year. A total of 537 small mammals from 15 species were sampled, which was then grouped into seven groups (i.e., Rattus sp., Maxomys sp., Sundamys sp., Leopaldamys sabanus, Suncus murinus, squirrels, and Tupaia glis). Bait preferences were significantly different among the different small mammal groups, i.e., F (6,35) = 5.621, p = 0.000, with bananas shown to be most preferred bait, followed by oil palm fruits and sweet potatoes. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) analysis revealed that the Rattus species encompassed the most diverse bait preference, while S. murinus and L. sabanus were the most selective. Muridae preferred sweet potatoes with peanut butter over bananas, while Sciuridae and Tupaiidae preferred bananas, and Soricidae preferred dried salted fish. This study elucidates the most effective bait selection for different small mammal assemblages, serving as a guide to increase capture rates when sampling targeted population of small mammals. Apart from that, it is helpful for effective rodent pest control.

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.

Relative abundance, richness, and diversity of small mammals at induced forest edges

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (8) ◽  
pp. 1432-1437 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. B. Sekgororoane ◽  
T. G. Dilworth
Keyword(s):  
Edge Effect ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Peromyscus Maniculatus ◽  
Clethrionomys Gapperi ◽  
Forest Edges ◽  
Blarina Brevicauda ◽  
Napaeozapus Insignis ◽  
Sorex Cinereus ◽  
The University

To determine whether small mammals show "edge effect" at induced forest edges created by harvest cutting, small mammals were snap-trapped from 1990 to 1992 at 5 sites harvested 0–10 years previously in the University of New Brunswick Forest, Fredericton. Nine species were captured in 8686 trap-nights. There was edge effect in older (6–10 years) but not in recent (0–5 years) cuts. This was shown by both high relative abundance for all species combined and species diversity in the ecotone (from 10 m into the harvest cut to 10 m into the forest). Species richness did not show any edge-related pattern. Edge effect with respect to relative abundance was largely due to Peromyscus maniculatus and Clethrionomys gapperi. Peromyscus maniculatus reached the highest relative abundance 10 m in the forest and was not captured beyond 10 m in the harvest cut. Clethrionomys gapperi made use of the forest side of the ecotone and was not captured beyond 5 m in the harvest cut. Napaeozapus insignis, Zapus hudsonius, and Soricidae (Blarina brevicauda, Sorex cinereus, and S. fumeus) showed no attraction to, or avoidance of, the edge.

Small-mammal response to group-selection silvicultural systems in Engelmann spruce – subalpine fir forests 14 years postharvest

2009 ◽  
Vol 39 (9) ◽  
pp. 1698-1708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas B. Ransome ◽  
Pontus M.F. Lindgren ◽  
Michaela J. Waterhouse ◽  
Harold M. Armleder ◽  
Thomas P. Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Group Selection ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Deer Mice ◽  
Subalpine Forests ◽  
Subalpine Fir ◽  
Engelmann Spruce ◽  
South Central ◽  
Significant Difference

Concerns about the impacts of clear-cut harvesting on ecosystem components in subalpine forests have generated a variety of alternative silvicultural systems in high-elevation forests in western North America. We examined responses of forest-floor small mammals, 14 years posttreatment, in four replicate units, uncut forest, a 1.0 ha group-selection cut, a large (>30 ha) clearcut, and the edge between the group-selection cut and uncut forest, in the Engelmann Spruce ( Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.) – Subalpine Fir ( Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.) biogeoclimatic zone in south-central British Columbia, Canada. Populations of small mammals were livetrapped during five sessions from June to September 2006. The mean abundance of southern red-backed voles ( Myodes gapperi Vigors) was significantly lower on large clearcuts than in uncut old-growth forests, with intermediate numbers in 1 ha cuts. The opposite trend was found for dusky shrews ( Sorex monticolus Merriam), while there was no significant difference in mean abundance of deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus Wagner) among treatments. Trappability, proportion of adult females breeding, and rate of survival of red-backed voles and deer mice were similar among treatments. Our results suggest that group-selection silviculture conducted in subalpine forests may have fewer negative impacts on the small-mammal community than large clearcuts.

Sexual dimorphism in body composition of small mammals

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (6) ◽  
pp. 1016-1020 ◽  
Author(s):  
A I Schulte-Hostedde ◽  
J S Millar ◽  
G J Hickling
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Body Size ◽  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Mate Guarding ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Deer Mice ◽  
Neotoma Cinerea ◽  
Fat Stores

Differences in reproductive roles between the sexes may lead to sexual dimorphism in body composition. Body size and composition of three species of small mammals (bushy-tailed wood rats (Neotoma cinerea Ord), deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus Wagner), and red-backed voles (Clethrionomys gapperi Vigors)) were analyzed to test the predictions that (i) males will have more muscle mass than females and (ii) females will have more fat than males. Results supported the first prediction but not the second. For all three species, males had more lean dry mass relative to body size than females, but females did not have relatively more fat than males. Muscle mass of males may aid in mate-searching and mate-guarding activities, but fat content may not differ between the sexes because female small mammals depend on increased ingestion rates, rather than fat stores, to support reproduction.

Deer mouse trappability in relation to bait preference

1980 ◽  
Vol 58 (12) ◽  
pp. 2282-2284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Druscilla S. Sullivan ◽  
Thomas P. Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Peromyscus Maniculatus ◽  
Deer Mouse ◽  
Peanut Butter ◽  
Deer Mice

When given the choice between traps with or without a mixture of peanut butter and oats (peanut butter balls), deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) preferred the former. However, trappability of deer mice was not affected by the presence of peanut butter balls. Acceptable food in live traps is essential to successful trapping of small mammals as these animals will systematically return to traps for food. The peanut butter and oatmeal mixture would increase the nutritional and possibly water content of food in the trap and is thus recommended for deer mouse trapping.

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