Small mammal and habitat response to shoreline cottage development in central Ontario

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Racey, G. D.; Euler, D. L.

Source:

Canadian Journal of Zoology, NRC Research Press, Volume 60, Issue 5, p.865-880 (1982)

Call Number:

A82RAC01IDUS

URL:

http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/z82-119#

Keywords:

Clethrionomys gapperi, development, masked shrew, Myodes gapperi, Napaeozapus insignis, Napeozapus insignis, red-backed vole, Sorex cinereus, woodland jumping mouse

Abstract:

Changes in small mammal abundance and habitat caused by shoreline cottage development in central Ontario were studied in the summers of 1978 and 1979. This development significantly altered the vegetation composition and structure in the vicinity of cottages. These alterations, in turn, had an impact on small mammal abundance. These animals were classified in three response categories: tolerant (existing, at some level, regardless of degree of development), intolerant (extirpated at high levels of development), and indifferent to development. Tolerant species were the eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus), short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda), and deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus); intolerant species were the masked shrew (Sorex cinereus), red-backed vole (Clethrionomys [Myodes] gapperi), and woodland jumping mouse (Napeozapus [Napaeozapus] insignis). The red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) was indifferent to development. Small mammal diversity was highest on mixed shorelines at moderate levels of development. Species diversity appeared to respond positively to vegetative composition, edge effect, and irregularity of habitat. These characteristics were all dependent on the level of cottage development.