Abstract

Three desert Artemisia tridentata communities in Rush Valley, Utah were trapped for small rodents during the summer of 1970 in a mark-recapture study. Population densities were estimated using several indices for each population category. Animals were weighed and rodent biomass calculated for each species throughout the summer. Populations, biomass, and other data were then analyzed to gain a better understanding of A. tridentata community types of the Great Basin. Peromyscus maniculatus, Eutamias minimus, and Reithrodontomys megalotis were common to area 1. Peromyscus maniculatus, E. minimus, and Perognathus parvus were common to areas 2 and 3. The peak estimated standing crops were 182.8, 143.1, and 129.7 g/acre for areas 2, 1, and 3 respectively. The population and biomass of area 2 peaked in mid-summer, area 1 in early summer, and area 3 in late summer. Results from a similar study indicate mountain A. tridentata communities may be less productive, in terms of rodent biomass, than desert A. tridentata communities at lower elevations.

Degree

College and Department

Life Sciences; Plant and Wildlife Sciences

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