Mammalogy
  Student Abstracts
 
Fall 2003

Harvest Ratio in Sympatric Eastern Gray Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis)
and Fox Squirrels (S. niger) in Todd County Kentucky
Kimberly Graczyk and Tim Simone
 
 
Abstract:
          Fox and gray squirrels have the same eastern United States range. Many studies have been done on the habitat similarities and difference between the two species because in most areas gray squirrels are more prevalent.  Most of them conclude that the fox squirrel has a more specialized habitat and stay lower in densities.  This study analyzed the difference in harvest ratios in oak/hickory forest and pine forest in 100 acres in Todd Co. Kentucky. The harvest took place in four plots, 2 of each forest type, and habitat measurements were taken within them. Measurements on overhead canopy density, dominant tree species composition, and average DBH of dominant species were taken. The result of this study indicated no significant difference in the squirrel harvest ratio between the two forest types.

Species Richness In and Around the Riparian Zone
Maggie Grosser and Lisa Manners
Abstract:
          Species richness is often correlated with habitat diversity.  Mesic, moist, habitats support more species diversity than xeric, dry, habitats.  Riparian zones, a type of mesic habitat, have a relatively high biodiversity, which should mean they should offer a more diverse range of habitats.  Research indicates that small mammals are a good indicator of biodiversity because of the ease in catching and handling them.  We used small mammals as an indicator of species diversity by trapping small mammals in a riparian zone, halfway up a hill from the riparian zone and then at the top of a hill surrounding the riparian zone in 3 different areas.  Data was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-Test and Wilcoxon Two-Sample Test.  No data was significant, however.  Problems with the experiment included lack of time, and different habitats at each trapping site.  Future experiments should take these problems into consideration when designing the experiment. 

Effects of sodium on bait preference by Peromyscus sp.
Brandon Bales 

Abstract:
          I examined the effect of sodium content on food selection by Peromyscus sp. My null hypothesis was that there would be no preference of bait based on sodium content by Peromyscus sp. My alternative hypothesis was there would be a preference of bait based on sodium content by Peromyscus sp. Traps was done in the Clarks River Wildlife Management Area and Oak Springs Farm. Salted and unsalted peanuts were use for bait. Traps were set in pairs, one of each bait type. Species captured included Peromyscus leucopus, Peromyscus maniculatus, Sigmodon hispidus, Oryzomys palustris, Microtus pinetorem, Blarina brevicauda/carolinensis. A chi-square analysis showed significance in preference towards sodium in Peromyscus sp. and the males of the Peromyscus sp.

Motion-Detecting Cameras as a Tool for Sampling Mammalian
Diversity and Its Use as an Index
Collin Schaumburg and Adam Green

Abstract:
          Population estimates and indices are an important for biologists as a tool for management and conservation.  We looked at the new technology of motion-detecting cameras to see if they could be useful as a population index.  We set up a baited camera for 2 consecutive nights at 3 different sites.  Each site was also trapped using box live traps.  Small mammals were caught only in the live traps, while medium mammals were captured equally on both the camera and in the live traps.  The sensitivity of the infrared beam on the camera probably produces bias towards medium mammals.  From our results, it seems that motion-detecting cameras could be a useful population index for medium mammals, provided individual recognition is possible.

Comparison of Species Richness on
Islands in Kentucky Lake, with the Mainland
Marty Davenport 

Abstract:                                                         Is the mammalian species richness different on offshore islands of Kentucky Lake from the mainland? I studied species richness on two islands in Kentucky Lake, and compared them to species richness on two mainland areas. I trapped all areas with Sherman traps, Pit-fall, and Tomahawk style live traps. Results were identical for the number of species between the two groups. Total trap nights were 240 with about a 5 % trap success. I think that my sample size (trap-nights) was too small; and therefore, more study would be needed in order to get a better answer.

The Effects of Roads on Habitat Re-Entry
and the Pitfalls of Gathering Data
Lee Herndon

Abstract:
          Roads, a major cause of habitat fragmentation, can be a serious barrier to entering unused habitats.   By trapping small mammals within and outside area recently occupied by cattle, this study was to determine the delays roads cause in re-establishing populations.  For the purposes of this study, no differentiation was to be made between the mammals caught by Sherman traps.  However, no organisms were caught in the study area, possibly indicating a retreat to hibernacula had already occurred.  Future studies will have to take time of the year into more account.

Identification of Unknown Mammal Hairs
Based on Habitat Diversity and Species Richness
Brittney Viers and Emily Woods

Abstract:
          Identifying unknown mammal hairs collected in relation to the effects of habitat diversity on species richness was the primary focus.  Thirty PVC 8-inch pipe sections (hair traps) total were set at Ledbetter Embayment, Kentucky.  Three different habitats were located, and each consisted of 10 hair traps (5 small, 2-inch diameter and 5 large, 3-inch diameter).  On the inside and outside of the each trap, Duct Carpet Tape (double-sided adhesive) was placed on the ends.  Great Value dry oats and Purina Friskies cat food served as bait.  Over a 2-week time period, beginning November 18, 2003 to December 2, 2003 the study was conducted.  Every hair trap was collected, hair samples were analyzed using a dissecting scope, and an attempt was made to identify the unknown mammal hairs.  Habitat one presented the most diversity; however no hair samples caught.  Habitat three was the least diverse of the three, and more hair samples were found (greater species richness).  Based on the results, the null hypothesis was accepted.  Habitat diversity had no effect on species richness using the hair sampling method in this particular case.