Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin, 1952. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 94-97).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1949. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 96-102).

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio State University, 1953. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 119-123). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center.

In the fall of 1944, as a preliminary to the present study, the investigator undertook a survey of the parasites of the muskrat at Burnaby Lake (Vancouver, B.C.). The results of this survey indicated that this problem was worthy of continuation throughout the province of British Columbia, In order to complete such an investigation, a knowledge of the distribution of this prolific fur-bearer and a means to obtain many muskrat carcasses were necessary. As a result of returns from an “outline questionnaire” sent to registered trappers, considerable information regarding the muskrat was obtained. Prom October 15, 1944 to May 15, 1947, 202 skinned carcasses were collected on which parasite and disease examinations were performed. The purpose of this thesis is to present an analysis of the information on the problem of diseases and parasites of the muskrat in its existing state in this province. Previous studies in this field are also summarised. / Science, Faculty of / Zoology, Department of / Graduate

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A study of muskrat population variables in southern Quebec did not allow differentiation between the quality of ditches bordered by corn fields and those bordered by hay fields. Annual turnover of adults and juveniles was very high in both ditch types. The average maximum density of muskrats was the second highest recorded in the literature. Muskrat activity was not predictive of activity of other co-occurring vertebrates. The direct relationship between the logarithm of the number of burrows and the number of muskrats showed the usefulness of this sign of presence as an indicator of population size. Within given ditches, we failed to detect different genetic proximity between adults from successive years between corn and hay ditches. We failed to show that adult genetic proximity within ditches and within years difference between hay and corn ditches. Analyses of adult genetic proximity within and among ditches within a year confirmed the limited dispersal of female muskrat. Muskrat DNA fingerprinting analyses supported the general usefulness of spatiotemporal associations to determine kinship. Habitat use models based on muskrat signs of presence in southern Quebec high clay bank farm ditches showed that muskrat presence was positively associated with water depth, water velocity, and pulpy plant cover (excluding cattail), but was negatively associated with dredging. The type of crop was not important in explaining muskrat presence. In various habitats of the James Bay area, the habitat use models identified a positive relationship with percentages of submerged and floating plant cover, width of the shore herbaceous belt, bank slope and dominance of clay-loam soil on banks. Such models could be used to assess the potential of boreal wetlands to harbour burrow-dwelling muskrats.