Use of Four Grassland Types by Small Mammal Species in Southern Minnesota

摘要

Small mammal populations in a series of grassland plantings were studied over a five-year period spanning 2008-2014. A central aim of this study was to establish the role of specific grassland compositions in promoting the restoration of small mammal richness and abundance. Conducted near Austin, Minnesota on a 160-acre wildlife management area, the study used a series of eight identically sized (4.5 hectare) plots arrayed in a two by four rectangle, which included two replicates of each planting. Two plot types were dominated by grasses (warm-season and cool-season, respectively) and two additional types consisted of forb-dominated mixes differing in plant height and composition. We captured 1807 individuals representing seven species over the span of 7680 trap nights in the eight plots. We found high variability in species richness between years within individual plots as well as extensive turnover in the species composition of trapped animals between years. We also recorded little movement of marked individuals between plot types. Mean mass of male Microtus pennsylvanicus (meadow vole) was greater in cool-season grass dominated plots compared to other plot types.