Population Dynamics of Small Mammals in a Natural Deciduous Stand and a Japanese Larch Larix leptolepis Plantation Stand

摘要

The population dynamics of small mammals were studied using live trappings conducted in natural deciduous and Japanese larch Larix leptolepis plantation stands on Mt. Gariwang, Gangwon Province, South Korea. Foliage profiles, diameter at breast height distribution of standing trees, stand structure attributes and characteristics of downed trees were found to differ between natural deciduous and Japanese larch plantation stands. Differences in both species richness and abundance of small mammals were observed in the study area. Moreover, the number of captured individuals, age structure and sex ratio changed over the course of the trapping sessions. An understanding of relationship between habitat characteristics and small mammal population dynamics is required for sustainable forest management. Future research should therefore focus on a long-term study of small mammal populations in various habitat patterns.