Small Mammal Habitat Associations at Patch and Landscape Scales in Oregon
Authors: Martin K.J.1; McComb W.C.2
Source: Forest Science, Volume 48, Number 2, 1 May 2002 , pp. 255-264(10)
Abstract:
To investigate multiscale habitat associations, we examined patterns of capture rates of small mammals in thirty 250–300 ha landscapes in the central Oregon Coast Range. We compared capture rates of 14 species within
7 patch types to expected capture rates based on sampling effort. We used landscape level capture rates to test for associations with percent area (composition) and 8 pattern indices at the landscape scale. Capture rates of 10 of 14 small mammal species were higher in conifer and/or mixed large sawtimber patch types. At the landscape scale, capture rates of 6 of 14 species of small mammals were positively associated with the area of patch types. The pattern of patches on the landscape may influence the distribution of 5 small mammal species in this region. We conclude that some small mammals may respond to landscape pattern and/or composition, while other small mammals may not respond to either landscape pattern or composition. Our results suggest that mature forest habitat, patch richness, pattern, and composition are key landscape features that should be considered in management plans, particularly when biodiversity of forest floor mammals is a management objective. FOR. SCI. 48(2):255–264.
Keywords: Biodiversity; forest; pattern; composition; richness; environmental management; forest; forest management; forest resources; forestry; forestry research; forestry science; natural resources; natural resource management
Document Type: Miscellaneous
Affiliations: 1: Forest Research Ecologist Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 107 Sutliff Ave, Rhinelander , WI, 54501, Phone: (715) 365-8917; Fax: (715) 365-8932 MartiK@dnr.state.wi.us 2: Department Head, Department of Natural Resources Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Box 34210 Amherst , MA, 01003, Phone: (413) 545-1764 bmccomb@forwild.umass.edu
