Characteristics of Small Mammal Populations in Forested and Old Field Habitats Prior to Effluent Spray Irrigation.

摘要

This study was designed to (1) investigate the population characteristics of two small mammal species,the white-footed mouse and the meadow vole, (2) study the diversity of the small mammal communities in forests and old fields,and (3) analyze the plant composition of the old fields. Censusing of the small mammal populations was carried out during spring and fall 1976and spring 1977on prespray and control sites. Vegetational analysis was conducted during summer 1976. The mice on both the prespray and control sites increased significantly from spring 1976to fall 1976and then decreased from fall 1976to spring 1977. The control site was more suitable for them than the prespray area due to a high proportion of grasses in the plant community and greater coverage.