Habitat Selection by Small Mammals of Riparian Communities: Evaluating Effects of Habitat Alterations

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Abstract
Small mammals of riparian communities in Iowa [USA] were studied during the summer using live- and snap-trapping techniques. Six general habitat types were identified from the herbaceous vegetation on 28 study plots selected to represent a range of habitats from open fields to deciduous forest. Predominant habitat alterations were grazing, timber removal and stream-channel realignment. Small-mammal species diversity was highest in channelized habitats and lowest in dry floodplains. An index of breadth of habitat usage was calculated for 9 spp. of mammals [Microtus pennyslvanicus, Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii, Tamias striatus, Spermophilus tridecemlineatus, Blarina brevicauda, Mus musculus, Reithrodontomys megalotis, Sorex cinereus and P. leucopus]; white-footed mice (P. leucopus) exhibited the most generalized habitat usage. With the use of stepwise multiple regression, relationships were determined between small-mammal species abundances and 12 variables describing microhabitat features. In many instances, small-mammal numbers also were correlated significantly with each other. The potential effects of 6 habitat alterations on the 9 small-mammal species are predicted.

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