Patterns of small mammal microhabitat utilization in cedar glade and deciduous forest habitats

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · J. Mammalogy; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/1380952· OSTI ID:6071246

Seagle, S W

Differential microhabitat use by the small mammals inhabiting a cedar glade and a deciduous forest was investigated using discriminant function analysis of 30 structural parameters measured around the capture site of each animal. Ochrotomys nuttalli and Peromyscus leucopus utilize different microhabitats in the cedar glade, as do Blarina brevicauda and P. leucopus in the deciduous forest. P. leucopus was found to be a microhabitat generalist in the deciduous forest and a specialist in the cedar glade, whereas O. nuttalli and B. bravicauda were a microhabitat generalist and specialist, respectively. The sexes of P. leucopus were found to occupy different microhabitats in the deciduous forest but not in the cedar glade. Female P. leucopus occupied microhabitat with better protective cover in the deciduous forest. Comparisons of microhabitats used by the two species captured in each habitat with a random microhabitat sample and trap sites at which no animals were captured indicate that each habitat is a complex matrix of microhabitats, some of which are used by small mammals and some of which are not. 24 references, 5 figures, 5 tables.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 6071246
• Journal Information: J. Mammalogy; (United States), Journal Name: J. Mammalogy; (United States) Vol. 66:1; ISSN JOMAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

510100* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ANIMALS
CEDARS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DATA
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FORESTS
HABITAT
INFORMATION
MAMMALS
NUMERICAL DATA
PLANTS
SEX DEPENDENCE
TREES
VERTEBRATES