Date of Award
8-1991
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Robert Seabloom
Second Advisor
Dr. Richard Crawford
Third Advisor
Dr. William Wrenn
Abstract
During the summers of 1989 and 1990, capture-recapture methods were used to de~ermine small mammal demographics and population dynamics in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings in north central North Dakota. Four age classes (1-4 years) of CRP plantings were sampled. Small mammal species diversity was low (H'=0.057-0.374). Eight species of small mammals were captured on CRP tracts, with deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) comprising 92% of all small mammals recorded. Largest deer mouse populations (64/ha .and 51/ha) occurred in late August and early September, 1990. Peak densities in 1990 were over twice as high as those of 1989. Home range sizes of male and female deer mice were not significantly different, although mean home range 6f males (0.18 ha) was larger than that of females (0.14 ha). Total number of male deer mice was not significantly different than females. Based on other studies and sampling of vegetation and small mammals in later successional plantings, a change in vegetation and small mammal species composition can be expected in CRP plantings over time~ Substantial populations of deer mice in early growth give way to potentially substantial populations of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) if plantings are not manipulated (burned, grazed or mowed). This change in species composition may influence the occurrence of avian predators in these areas and may furnish desirable alternate prey to avian and mammalian predators of ground nesting birds.
Recommended Citation
Lysne, Larry A., "Small mammal demographics in North Dakota conservation reserve program plantings" (1991). Theses and Dissertations. 423.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/423