The small mammal population of a restricted study area was live-trapped on the University farm at Western Kentucky University from November 1984 through November 1985. A total of 1800 trap-nights yielded 81 different individuals representing five species. Members of the genera Peromyscus and Microtus were the dominant individuals representing over 90% of the total. Also caught were Mus musculus and Blarina brevicauda. The members of the two major genera were examined for population size and dynamics. In addition, a statistical analysis was carried out on the randomness of the location of the home ranges. This analysis gave evidence that the Peromyseus population was centered primarily in the ecotone between field and forest while Microtus was centered exclusively in the field habitat. In addition, the absence or near absence of Microtus for part of the year allowed the Peromyscus population to expand into the field for a short time. Finally, the year long study revealed a characteristic population cycle for each major species due to a combination of reproductive rates, feeding habits and decimation by predation.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:WKU/oai:digitalcommons.wku.edu:theses-3208 |
| Date | 01 August 1986 |
| Creators | Cambron, Richard |
| Publisher | TopSCHOLAR® |
| Source Sets | Western Kentucky University Theses |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Masters Theses & Specialist Projects |
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