Seasonal and altitudinal variations in populations of small mammals on Rattlesnake Mountain, Washington

Journal Article · Tue Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1975 · Am. Midl. Nat.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/2424549· OSTI ID:7365237

O'Farrell, T P

Small mammals were live-trapped for 2 years at four elevations in shrub-steppe vegetation of S-central Washington to determine seasonal and altitudinal changes in populations. Species trapped included: Perognathus parvus, Peromyscus maniculatus, Onychromys leucogaster, Lagurus curtatus, Spermophilus townsendii; Neotoma cinerea and Mustela frenata. Perognathus parvus was the most numerous, and widespread species, reaching peak densities in the Artemisia/Poa association at 500-ft elevation. Its density declined with increasing elevation. Perognathus was most numerous on a site with a high frequency of seed-producing annuals, and less numerous in perennial grasslands or where soil temperatures below 40 F were prolonged in the spring. Peromyscus maniculatus were most numerous in the Artemisia/Agropyron association above 2000 ft. Peromyscus appeared to be limited by lack of succulent vegetation or free water at lower, more arid sites. Perognathus was most active and breeding between spring and autumn. Peromyscus favored the period between autumn and late spring. Interspecific competition was not apparent. Perognathus employed periods of torpor during the winter, and some evidence indicated that Peromyscus may have used hypothermia during the driest part of summer and midwinter. Average weights of male Perognathus increased with increasing altitude. The weight increase was not apparent in Peromyscus. (auth)

• Research Organization: Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, WA
• OSTI ID: 7365237
• Journal Information: Am. Midl. Nat.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Midl. Nat.; (United States) Vol. 94:1; ISSN AMNAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

510302* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- Terrestrial Ecosystems & Food Chains-- (-1987)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ALTITUDE
ANIMALS
ARID LANDS
BIOMASS
CLIMATES
DESERTS
ENERGY SOURCES
LEVELS
MAMMALS
MICE
NORTH AMERICA
PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION
PLANTS
POPULATION DENSITY
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
RODENTS
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
USA
VARIATIONS
VERTEBRATES
WASHINGTON