Characteristics of the burrows of four species of rodents in undisturbed soils in southeastern Idaho

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Reynolds, Timothy D.; Wakkinen, Wayne L.

Source:

American Midland Naturalist, University of Notre Dame, Volume 118, Issue 2, p.245-250 (1987)

Call Number:

A87REY01IDUS

Keywords:

Dipodomys ordii, Microtus montanus, montane vole, Ord's kangaroo rat, Peromyscus maniculatus, Spermophilus townsendii, Townsend's ground squirrel

Abstract:

Dimensions of the burrow systems of four small mammals common to southeastern Idaho (Spermophilus townsendii, Dipodomys ordii, Microtus montanus and Peromyscus maniculatus) were determined in undisturbed soils. Spermophilus constructed two distinct burrow systems: over 120 cm deep and less than 60 cm deep. The deeper systems were significantly longer and had larger volume than the shallower burrows and the systems constructed by the other species. Burrow parameters for Dipodomys were bimodal, suggesting deep and shallow burrows, but this was not demonstrated statistically. All parameters for Dipodomys burrows were similar to shallow Spermophilus burrows. Volumes of both were significantly greater than volumes for Peromyscus and Microtus. A significant portion of the variability of all parameters for Microtus and shallow Spermophilus burrows was explained by the distribution of soil particle sizes, but equations based on these were only of limited value in predicting burrow parameters.

Notes:

Reference Code: A87REY01IDUS

Full Citation; Reynolds, T. D., and W. L. Wakkinen. 1987. Characteristics of the burrows of four species of rodents in undisturbed soils in southeastern Idaho. American Midland Naturalist 118(2): 245-250.

Location: ANIMAL EF: MAMMALS

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