Identification and Distribution of Sorex Cinereus and Sorex Haydeni on the Great Plains

Author

Brian C. Bartels, Fort Hays State University

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

DOI

10.58809/MDEX8148

Date of Award

Spring 2007

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

Advisor

Jerry R. Choate

Abstract

Both Sorex cinereus and Sorex haydeni have been reported and mapped as occurring on the northern and central Great Plains. However, these species are difficult to distinguish and commonly are misidentified. Moreover, comments by various authorities on their geographic distributions and preferred habitats have resulted in confusion. I conducted discriminant function analysis to ascertain the identity of long-tailed shrews in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas. I used genetically identified individuals as reference specimens. Discriminant function analysis revealed that the characters I measured cannot be used with confidence to distinguish between the species. Based on genetically identified specimens, S. cinereus and S. haydeni occur sympatrically in North Dakota and South Dakota, but only S. cinereus occurs in Nebraska and Kansas.

Comments

For questions contact ScholarsRepository@fhsu.edu

Recommended Citation

Bartels, Brian C., "Identification and Distribution of Sorex Cinereus and Sorex Haydeni on the Great Plains" (2007). Master's Theses. 3013.
DOI: 10.58809/MDEX8148
Available at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/3013

Rights

© 2007 Brian C. Bartels