Structure and Movements of a Community of Small Mammals Along a Powerline Right-Of-Way in Subalpine Coniferous Forest

Abstract

Abstract We examined diversity, density, and movements of small mammals in a subalpine coniferous forest in Colorado by comparing three sites in a 40-m-wide powerline right-of-way to three control sites in undisturbed forest. We captured 181 individuals of 10 species at powerline sites and 128 individuals of nine species at control sites. Density of southern red-backed voles (Myodes gapperi) was higher at control sites, whereas least chipmunks (Tamias minimus) had a greater density at powerline sites. At powerline sites, southern red-backed voles occupied forested habitats >30 m away from the right-of-way, whereas least chipmunks occupied habitats within the right-of-way. Following translocation across the right-of-way, North American deermice (Peromyscus maniculatus) readily crossed the right-of-way, while the right-of-way formed a barrier to southern red-backed voles. During their natural movements, southern red-backed voles exhibited significant directional movements parallel to the right-of-way, where...