Master's Theses

Department

Biology

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

Quadrat snap trapping of six pairs of non-grazed and grazed grasslands in Ellis and Trego counties in Kansas during the summer of 1965 yielded information regarding the effect of grazing on species composition and densities of small mammal populations. Study areas were chosen so as to minimize differences except those due to grazing. Information on the study areas included general description, plant species present, and amounts of standing vegetation and mulch. Study areas were trapped simultaneously for three days and data were kept on captures and climatological conditions. One hundred forty-six small mammals of nine species were captured in a total of 2,288 trap nights, with twice as many animals trapped on the non-grazed areas. Peromyscus maniculatus showed a preference for areas with at least a moderate amount of standing vegetation and mulch and was most numerous in non-grazed areas. Perognathus hispidus and Onychomys leucogaster exhibited no obvious preference for either type of habitat. Reithrodontomys megalotis, R. montanus, and Microtus ochrogaster were trapped primarily or exclusively on non-grazed areas. Citellus tridecemlineatus was the only mammal trapped which showed a preference for grazed areas.

Keywords

Range management, Grassland ecology, Ecological surveys, Habitats, Animals, Mammals, Ellis County (Kan.), Trego County (Kan.)

Advisor

Dr. Eugene D. Flaherty

Date of Award

Summer 1966

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Rights

© The Author(s)

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