Abstract
Abstract Urbanization has caused large-scale changes in wildlife distributions. Populations and communities of small mammals can be good indicators of ecosystem health as they indicate change in vegetation diversity and structure. We surveyed small mammals in Kirksville, Missouri – a small isolated city within a landscape matrix of savanna and oak-hickory woodlands (Quercus spp. and Carya spp.). We trapped thirteen Peromyscus spp. and three Blarina brevicauda. Overall small mammal occupancy (95% CI) was 0.318 (0.131-0.589). Our results indicated that occupancy was constant across all variables and locations; however, future research is needed to better understand if there are indeed habitat covariates that have an effect on Peromyscus spp. occupancy, such as distance to green space or number of dumpsters in the area. Urban planners should be aware of the long-term effects of drought and of the isolation of small mammal populations. Future research should consider what urban variables may keep these small mammals in these isolated areas (i.e., nutrition, habitat requirements, and barriers of migration). This information will help improve management programs aimed at regulating small mammal populations and distributions in cities.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
