Back to Search Start Over

Spatial distribution of meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius) in logged boreal forest of northwestern Canada

Authors :
Jung, Thomas S.
Powell, Todd
Source :
Mammalian Biology. Nov2011, Vol. 76 Issue 6, p678-682. 5p.
Publication Year :
2011

Abstract

Abstract: Most studies of small mammal responses to habitat alterations focus on dominant species, with a resulting lack of information for rare species. Jumping mice (Order Rodentia: Dipodidae) tend to be rare in small mammal trapping studies; thus, little is known of their response to habitat alterations, such as clear-cut logging. We examined the spatial distribution of meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius) captured in 3 upland habitat types (forest interior, forest edge, and logged forest) in the boreal forest of southeastern Yukon, Canada. Meadow jumping mice were the third most common rodent captured, and consistently constituted 19.7% of captures in all of the habitat types. Meadow jumping mice may not be rare in some boreal mammal assemblages. Significantly less animals were captured in the forest interior compared to the forest edge or logged forest (P <0.05). A preference or avoidance of sharp habitat edges created by logging was not detected. Logged areas may be more preferred over unlogged areas by meadow jumping mice because they provide relatively diverse and abundant food resources and cover. To provide data more useful for biodiversity conservation, we suggest that studies of small mammals in forest ecosystems deploy a variety of trap types and sample at sufficient intensity to provide information on both dominant and rare species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16165047
Volume :
76
Issue :
6
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Mammalian Biology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
66407794
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mambio.2011.08.002