Northern bog lemmings and rare plants in the panhandle of Idaho. Final report

Call Number:

Keywords:

Abstract:

The northern bog lemming (Synaptomys borealis) is a small rodent within the Cricetidae family that includes a wide variety of mice, rats, voles, and lemmings. Not more than a total length of around 120 mm with a short tail (20–25 mm), it is distinguished by a suite of characteristics but, especially, by a vertical groove found along the upper incisors. It has typically been captured, at least in the northwestern United States, in peatlands associated with significant sphagnum moss mats (Sphagnum sp.) and, frequently, with various rare plant species. Northern bog lemmings are listed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game as a Species of Concern and, as such, are included within the category of Protected Nongame Species, which require a Scientific Collecting Permit to capture. They are listed as “sensitive” by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) within the Kaniksu National Forest and are on a “monitor” watch list by the state of Washington. Northern bog lemming have been commonly recorded from Alaska, various provinces within Canada, and along the northern belt of states within the United States. The species has been frequently recorded in Montana, less commonly in Washington, and infrequently in Idaho. Nearly all of the documented occurrences of northern bog lemmings in Idaho, Montana, and Washington have been found on peatlands, areas formed most extensively in the northerly latitudes with cool, humid climates where precipitation exceeds transpiration. Peatlands are characterized by extreme abiotic conditions (pH, mineral and moisture content) that inhibit the decay of organic materials, allowing the soil to hold large quantities of water and maintain a relatively stable environment for plant and animal species. Peatlands provide an environment that promotes a distinctive flora, many members of which are rare in the northern Rocky Mountain region. It is, therefore, not surprising that possibly rare animal species, including the northern bog lemming, may be associated with peatland flora. Most of the northern Idaho peatlands are on USFS land, governed by the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 and USFS policy which dictate that USFS land be managed to maintain populations of all existing animal and plant species at or above minimum viable population levels. Current efforts of land managers to maintain minimum viable population levels through an ecosystem management approach demand that any examination of the potential for wetland (peatland) sites to provide habitat for and maintain populations of northern bog lemmings necessarily include a discussion of the flora of those sites. As elsewhere, the potential interdependencies of plants and animals are not fully understood; conservation strategies make much more sense at an ecosystem or unique-habitat level. The purpose of the project described in this report was to determine presence of the northern bog lemming and rare plants within several peatland habitats within northern Idaho and to provide more complete habitat descriptions to these meadows whether lemmings or rare plants were discovered or not.

Notes:

Location: ELECTRONIC FILE - BOTANY: MULTIPLE SPECIES; ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology: Mammals

Note: Information of use for citation in CSE style: Report prepared for: Idaho Department of Fish and Game Support provided by: Idaho Department of Fish and Game (Boise, ID) and Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA). Author affiliations should be given too since neither was with IDFG, but I don't see that information on the report.

SWAP (2/19/2016) citation:
Boggs JR, Wood S. 2004. Northern bog lemmings and rare plants in the panhandle of Idaho. [place unknown]: Idaho Department of Fish and Game. 39 p. Final report to Idaho Department of Fish and Game in fulfillment of grant no. SWG T-1-5-0403