Small mammals of a mine waste situation in the central Adirondacks, New York: a case of opportunism by Peromyscus maniculatus

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Kirkland, Gordon L., Jr.

Source:

American Midland Naturalist, The University of Notre Dame, Volume 95, Issue 1, p.103-110 (1976)

Call Number:

A76KIR01IDUS

URL:

http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2424237, http://www.jstor.org/stable/2424237

Keywords:

masked shrew, Peromyscus maniculatus gracilis, Sorex cinereus, sorex shrew, woodland deer mouse

Abstract:

Small mammals were live- and snap-trapped on poorly vegetated granitic mine wastes and in surrounding natural habitats in the central Adirondack Mountains, Essex County, New York. The small mammal fauna on the mine wastes (seven species) was depauperate com pared to that of the surrounding mixed hardwood forests (13 species). Only the woodland deer mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus gracilis (LeConte), was abundant on mine waste, comprising 83% of the small mammals captured. This habitat was atypical for P. m. gracilis. The absence of other species was attributed to the lack of herbaceous cover or the inability to withstand extremes of moisture or temperature.