scholarly journals Small Rodent Populations and Conifer Seedling Damage on a Reclaimed Area in West Central Alberta

1989 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 271-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan J. Kennedy ◽  
David F. Penner ◽  
Jeffrey E. Green
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Deer Mice ◽  
Small Rodent ◽  
Small Rodents ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
West Central ◽  
Rodent Populations ◽  
Conifer Seedling

Small rodent populations and conifer seedling survival were monitored on a reclaimed area in west central Alberta from September 1979 to September 1985. Although several species of cricetid rodents and shrews were captured during the live-trapping program, only meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) occurred in sufficient number to monitor annual changes in abundance. Meadow voles increased rapidly on the reclaimed area from 1979–1981, remained at high numbers until 1984, then declined sharply in 1985. Deer mice increased to moderate numbers from 1979–1981 and declined gradually until 1983. By 1984–1985, very few deer mice were present.Two species of conifer seedlings, lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and white spruce (Picea glauca) were planted on the reclaimed area in 1979 and 1980. Numbers of seedlings killed or damaged by small rodents, primarily by girdling, increased sharply in 1981 and remained at high levels through to 1984. Significant correlations between the percentage of the annual mortality of seedlings attributed to small rodents or the percentage of live seedlings damaged by small rodents, and the abundance of meadow voles the previous winter, indicate that the amount of mortality and damage to seedlings in this reclamation area is in part determined by the overwintering abundance of meadow voles. This is in direct agreement with conclusions from similar studies in other areas of North America and Europe.

scholarly journals NOTES ON FOOD HABITS OF SMALL MAMMALS OF THE WHITE SPRUCE FOREST

1963 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 436-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Bruce Wagg
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Food Habits ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Deer Mouse ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Deer Mice ◽  
Daily Maximum ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Microtus Spp

Cage feeding of deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus, and red-backed mice, Clethrionomys gapperi, showed a daily maximum seed consumption of lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta var. latifolia, of about 1,000 seeds and of white spruce, Picea glauca, of 2,000 seeds. There was no difference in the amount of seed consumed by the two species of mice. Lodgepole pine seed was preferred over white spruce.Meadow voles, Microtus spp., readily ate lodgepole pine and white spruce seedlings following germination. Red-backed mice also ate seedlings but not to the same degree as the meadow voles. The deer mouse was not tested.

scholarly journals Population cycles and outbreaks of small rodents: ten essential questions we still need to solve

Oecologia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry P. Andreassen ◽  
Janne Sundell ◽  
Fraucke Ecke ◽  
Stefan Halle ◽  
Marko Haapakoski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Large Amplitude ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Population Cycles ◽  
Small Rodent ◽  
Small Rodents ◽  
Rodent Population ◽  
The World ◽  
Essential Questions ◽  
Rodent Populations

AbstractMost small rodent populations in the world have fascinating population dynamics. In the northern hemisphere, voles and lemmings tend to show population cycles with regular fluctuations in numbers. In the southern hemisphere, small rodents tend to have large amplitude outbreaks with less regular intervals. In the light of vast research and debate over almost a century, we here discuss the driving forces of these different rodent population dynamics. We highlight ten questions directly related to the various characteristics of relevant populations and ecosystems that still need to be answered. This overview is not intended as a complete list of questions but rather focuses on the most important issues that are essential for understanding the generality of small rodent population dynamics.

Influence of Site Factors on Incidence of Vole and Lemming Feeding Damage to Forest Plantations

1991 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 64-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas P. Sullivan ◽  
Wayne L. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Meadow Vole ◽  
Abies Lasiocarpa ◽  
Feeding Damage ◽  
Site Factors ◽  
Average Survival

Abstract The incidence of meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and brown lemming (Lemmus sibiricus) feeding damage to young plantations of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) and interior spruce (Picea glauca × Picea engelmannii) was studied in west-central British Columbia. Fifty-eight plantations were surveyed for seedling survival and stocking, and an additional 21 older plantations of lodgepole pine were surveyed for tree damage. Average survival of pine (47.7%) was significantly lower than that of spruce (56.0%). Because of mortality from vole feeding, 24 of the 58 plantations were not satisfactorily restocked. Planted trees were attacked significantly more than natural regeneration. Severely attacked plantations occurred in the spruce-subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) forest type at elevations > 800 m on N to NE aspects. Susceptible plantations generally had mechanical or no site preparation with complex post-harvest debris and limited vegetation cover. West. J. Appl. For. 6(3):64-67.

The short-term impact of abundant fruit upon deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), southern red-backed vole (Myodes gapperi), and woodland jumping mouse (Napaeozapus insignis) populations

2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (8) ◽  
pp. 555-563 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evan C. Dracup ◽  
Daniel M. Keppie ◽  
Graham J. Forbes
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Temperate Forest ◽  
Peromyscus Maniculatus ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Deer Mouse ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Deer Mice ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Napaeozapus Insignis ◽  
Rodent Populations

Fruit has been identified as an important and potentially population-restricting food for southern red-backed voles (Myodes gapperi (Vigors, 1830)), deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner, 1845)), and woodland jumping mice (Napaeozapus insignis (Miller, 1891)). We added domestic dried strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa (Weston) Duchesne ex Rozier (pro sp.)) and European black currants (Ribes nigrum L.), which have native analogues and are preferred foods of these rodents, to white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) plantations from May through August 2011 and 2012 to test fruit and fruit-based carbohydrate’s short-term (1–2 years) impact on these rodent populations. We used mark–recapture to estimate density, percentages of population that were juvenile and breeding female, mean home-range size, and body mass during spring and summer of both years, and fecundity via placental scars from euthanized females in summer 2012. Fruit enhancement had no apparent effect on our species’ fecundity, proportion of breeding females or juveniles during spring and summer of either year, nor were there differences among these metrics in spring 2012 following 2011 fruit additions. Overall, there were no impacts to the short-term adult population dynamics for any species during fruit addition. We are led to believe that short-term pulses of fruit and (or) fruit-based carbohydrate abundance do little to influence temperate forest small-mammal populations.

scholarly journals Cascade effects of slope gradient on ground vegetation and small-rodent populations in a forest ecosystem

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-213
Author(s):  
Jae-Kang Lee ◽  
Hyun-Su Hwang ◽  
Tae-Kyung Eum ◽  
Ho-Kyoung Bae ◽  
Shin-Jae Rhim
Keyword(s):  
Forest Ecosystem ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Ground Vegetation ◽  
Small Rodent ◽  
Larix Kaempferi ◽  
Field Mouse ◽  
Slope Gradient ◽  
Small Rodents ◽  
Cascade Effects ◽  
Rodent Populations

Abstract In this study, we set out to determine the cascade effects of slope gradient on ground vegetation and small-rodent populations in a forest ecosystem. We focused on two forest-dwelling small rodents with different habitat requirements, the striped field mouse Apodemus agrarius (preferring dense ground vegetation) and the Korean field mouse A. peninsulae (dense forest and woodland). The study area comprised natural deciduous forests and Japanese larch Larix kaempferi plantations in South Korea. The abundance of A. agrarius but not that of A. peninsulae was related to slope gradient. There was a negative effect of slope gradient on ground vegetation coverage and a positive effect of ground vegetation on A. agrarius populations. Our results highlight that the population of A. agrarius was indirectly influenced by the negative effects of slope gradient on ground vegetation. Slope gradient can, therefore, be a limiting factor in the microhabitats occupied by small rodents. This study reveals a critical role for slope gradient since it can modify not only microhabitat conditions, but also small-rodent populations, and this finding can contribute to improved microhabitat management.

Seedling response following partial cutting in lodgepole pine forests on caribou winter range in west-central British Columbia

2005 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 409-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
N M Daintith ◽  
M J Waterhouse ◽  
H M Armleder
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Group Selection ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Partial Cutting ◽  
West Central ◽  
Interior Spruce

Group selection and irregular group shelterwood silvicultural systems were applied to older lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) forests in west-central British Columbia to determine their potential for maintaining northern caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) habitat. These silvicultural systems created small openings 15–30 m wide,which were planted with lodgepole pine and interior spruce (Picea glauca x Picea engelmannii) seedlings. Fifth-year survival and growth results indicate that either species could adequately regenerate the small openings created by partial cutting. Pine survival in the partial cuts (93–95%) was comparable to the clearcuts (94%). Pine height and height growth did not vary significantly between treatments; however, diameters were significantly larger in the clearcuts. After five years across all treatments, pine seedlings were 38–42 cm tall with diameters ranging from 7–11 mm. Spruce survival varied considerably between the clearcuts (35–98%) but was more consistent in the partial cuts (66–97%). Total height and height growth differed significantly among treatments, with the shortest spruce seedlings found in the clearcuts. Seedling diameter did not differ among treatments. Average fifth-year height ranged from 31 cm to 44 cm and diameters ranged from 7 mm to 9 mm. To maintain caribou habitat, species should be planted in similar proportions to the pre-harvest stand composition to avoid potential impacts on the terrestrial and arboreal lichens, which are important caribou forage. Key words: caribou, lodgepole pine, partial cutting, planted seedlings, interior spruce, group selection, irregular group shelterwood

scholarly journals Impacts of cattle grazing on small-rodent communities: an experimental case study

2012 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Bueno ◽  
K.E. Ruckstuhl ◽  
N. Arrigo ◽  
A.N. Aivaz ◽  
P. Neuhaus
Keyword(s):  
Species Interactions ◽  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Rodent Species ◽  
Deer Mice ◽  
Small Rodent ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Complex Species ◽  
Survival Sex

We used experimental cattle ungrazed and grazed sites to evaluate what impact different intensities of cattle grazing have on deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner, 1845)) and meadow voles ( Microtus pennsylvanicus (Ord, 1815)). Live-trapping of these small rodents was conducted on paired treatment plots (grazed and ungrazed) at Sheep River Provincial Park in southwestern Alberta, Canada. Before grazing started, both rodent species were equally abundant in either grazed or ungrazed sites. Introduction of grazing resulted in strong but differing responses by both rodent species. Deer mice had higher population density (measured as individual animals trapped) in the grazed than in ungrazed plots, but their body mass was negatively correlated with increasing grazing pressure. Meadow voles were more heavily affected by grazing, as a strong avoidance of cattle-grazed plots was observed already at low grazing intensity. In addition, cattle grazing had noticeable effects, impacting the survival, sex and age ratios, and the ectoparasite prevalence of these two rodent populations. We conclude that there are diverse and different levels of impact of cattle grazing on those two rodents, leading to much more complex species interactions than previously thought. We suggest that the presence or absence, density, and body condition of small mammals could be used as a tool for ecosystem health assessment.

Small rodent communities (Muridae) in Gabonese savannas: species diversity and biogeographical affinities

Mammalia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-François Mboumba ◽  
Maxime R. Hervé ◽  
Véronique Guyot ◽  
Frederic Ysnel
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Small Rodent ◽  
Small Rodents ◽  
South West ◽  
New Information ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Mus Minutoides ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Coastal Basin

Abstract The study contributes to the knowledge of species composition and biogeographical affinities of savannas rodent in Gabon. Unlike small rodents in Gabonese forests, there is little data on the diversity of small rodents in Gabonese savannas. The diversity and distribution of rodent murid communities was studied in four different types of savanna in Gabon: Coastal Basin (South-West), Lopé/Okanda (in the Center), Batéké Plateaux (Southeastern) and Ngougnié/ N’yanga (in the South). A total of 428 individuals representing six species were captured over 11,920 trap nights. Trap success was highly variable (2.2–6.9 %). The most abundant species were Mus minutoides (69%) followed by Lemniscomys striatus (21.5%). Indices of species richness varied from 2 to 5 and diversity (Shannon and Weaver) was low in the four savannas with the highest value at Ngougnié/N’yanga (H′ = 1.2). Species distributions show that Gabonese savanna small rodents conform to four distribution types, with one species known from Zambesian savannas exhibiting austral affinities (Pelomys campanae: occurs in three southern savannas). This new information provides important insight into the biogeography of small rodents at a local and regional level. Moreover, the correspondence analysis highlighted an influence of local ecological factors on population abundance.

A population study of small rodents in a dry sub-humid grassland in Kenya

1985 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 217-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. H. G. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Population Study ◽  
Annual Production ◽  
Small Rodents ◽  
Numerous Species ◽  
Tropical Grassland ◽  
Live Trapping ◽  
Mus Minutoides ◽  
Turn Over ◽  
Rodent Populations ◽  
Trapping Grid

ABSTRACTEstimates were made of rodent longevity, population biomass and production in a dry sub-humid grassland area in Kenya, The results were based on a live-trapping study made over a 27-month period. During this time fourteen species of rodents and four species of insectivores were recorded from the area of the trapping grid. The most numerous species were Praomys natalensis, Mus triton, Mus minutoides and Lemniscomys striatus.Breeding took place in both wet seasons, coinciding with peaks in rodent populations. Densities ranged from 6.6 ha-1 to 52.4 ha-1, and estimates of net annual production varied from 5485 g ha-1 year-1 to 7221 g ha-1 year-1. Rodent populations appear to turn over every six to nine months.The results are discussed in relation to studies in other tropical grassland areas of Africa.

scholarly journals Planted stock performance 10 years after partial cutting in west-central British Columbia

2010 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 118-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
M J Waterhouse ◽  
E. C. Wallich ◽  
N. M. Daintith ◽  
H. M. Armleder
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Group Selection ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Light Level ◽  
Frost Damage ◽  
Partial Cutting ◽  
Partial Harvest ◽  
Interior Spruce

Mature lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) forests were harvested using group selection (GS) (0.02-ha openings) and irregular group shelterwood (IGS) (0.05-ha openings) systems to maintain arboreal and terrestrial lichens in the winter range of northern woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). Ten years after planting, lodgepole pine showed excellent survival, but were smaller in the partial cut openings compared to the clearcuts. Pine grew less in the Sub-Boreal Pine–Spruce biogeoclimatic subzone (SBPSxc) than in the Montane Spruce subzone (MSxv), and trees were smaller in the GS versus IGS treatment within the MSxv subzone. Interior spruce (Picea glauca × engelmannii) grew best in the MSxv and partial cut treatments, but was significantly affected by summer frost in the clearcuts. In an operational-scale Adaptive Management trial, openings were enlarged to 0.15 ha, and both pine and spruce showed excellent survival, minimal frost damage, and 10-year size similar to clearcut conditions. This study suggests that lodgepole pine and interior spruce can be successfully regenerated in partial cut openings with acceptable growth in gaps of 0.15 ha. Key words: caribou, group selection, interior spruce, irregular group shelterwood, light level, lodgepole pine, Montane Spruce zone, partial harvest, soil moisture, soil temperature, Sub-Boreal Pine Spruce zone, summer frost

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