Movement of Small Mammals at an Interchange on Interstate Highway 70

Author

Matthew E. Hopton, Fort Hays State University

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

DOI

10.58809/FAGQ8336

Date of Award

Fall 1995

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

Advisor

Jerry R. Choate

Abstract

Triangular habitat "islands" at interchanges along interstates are utilized extensively by small mammals. I attempted to monitor the movements of small mammals at the West Hays interchange, Exit 157, on Interstate Highway 70 in Ellis Co., Kansas. By doing so, I attempted to discover what factors (such as age, reproductive condition, sex, or population density) affect the movement of small mammals across roads, to determine which species are most apt to cross roads, to establish the degree to which roads act as barriers, and, finally, to ascertain which small mammals re-colonized trapped out triangles and at what rate. I found that roads acted as barriers of varying degrees to different species of small mammals. I was unable to attribute an increase in movement of an individual to anyone factor and assumed that the ability or tendency to cross roads may be a trait of individuals as much as a characteristic of species.

Comments

For questions contact ScholarsRepository@fhsu.edu

Recommended Citation

Hopton, Matthew E., "Movement of Small Mammals at an Interchange on Interstate Highway 70" (1995). Master's Theses. 2513.
DOI: 10.58809/FAGQ8336
Available at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/2513

Rights

© 1995 Matthew E. Hopton