Characterization of small mammal populations inhabiting the B-C cribs environs

Technical Report · Wed Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1976

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7312276· OSTI ID:7312276

Hedlund, J D; Rogers, L E

The purpose of this study was to document the current status of small mammal populations inhibiting the 200 Area plateau near the B-C Crib management area and to compare them with populations inhabiting a protected (control) area within the confines of the Hanford ALE Reserve. Sampling sessions were conducted over two field seasons (1974 and 1975). A total of five species was detected within intensive study areas. These included the Great Basin pocket mouse (Perognathus parvus), deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), northern grasshopper mouse (Onychomys leucogaster), sagebrush vole (Lagurus curtatus), and western harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis). These species are probably representative of those found throughout the area at this particular elevation. Townsends ground squirrel (Spermophilus townsendii) also occurs in this area but did not occur on the sampling plots during the study duration. The pocket mouse was the only species present in sufficient numbers to permit a detailed analysis of population parameters. A discussion concerning the role small mammals play in mineral cycling and energy transfer processes is included along with a diagram depicting food web interrelationships for consumers inhabiting the 200 Area plateau region. Estimates of small mammal density and biomass provided in this document are needed for an overall understanding of the role biota play in the transfer of waste nuclides.

• Research Organization: Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, WA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-06-1830
• OSTI ID: 7312276
• Report Number(s): BNWL-2181
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ANIMALS
BIOMASS
ECOSYSTEMS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOOD CHAINS
HANFORD RESERVATION
MAMMALS
METABOLISM
MINERAL CYCLING
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
POPULATION DYNAMICS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
RODENTS
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS
VERTEBRATES
WILD ANIMALS