Response of Two Species of Peromyscus to Vegetational Succession on Land Strip-Mined for Coal

Abstract
The influence of plant succession on the distribution of 2 spp. of Peromyscus was investigated on land strip-mined for coal 1-47 yr ealier. P. maniculatus bairdii was most abundant early in succession when surface ground coverage was sparse and included little or no woody vegetation. As cover of shrubs and trees increased, P. leucopus noveboracensis became more numerous, and P. maniculatus disappeared from the community. Both species responded negatively to dense stands of grasses. Competition did not limit the distribution of Peromyscus on the areas studied.