Movements by small mammals on a radioactive waste disposal area in southeastern Idaho

Authors

Craig R. Groves, Idaho State University, Pocatello
Barry L. Keller, Idaho State University, Pocatello

Abstract

Average linear movement by populations of Dipodomys ordii, Microtus montanus, Perognathus parvus, and Peromyscus maniculatus was investigated over a 15-month period by live trapping on a low-level, radioactive waste disposal area in Idaho. No significant differences in movement among habitats were observed seasonally, excepting M. montanus in spring. Average linear movements within habitats ranged from 20 to 70 m for all species, but some patterns varied seasonally and among age classes for individual species. Although predation on contaminated small mammals from the disposal area is a vector of radionuclide transport, local movements by these rodents do not appear to be of sufficient magnitude to contribute significantly to redistribution of radioactive particles.

Recommended Citation

Groves, Craig R. and Keller, Barry L. (1986) "Movements by small mammals on a radioactive waste disposal area in southeastern Idaho," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 46: No. 3, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol46/iss3/3