Habitat characteristics of small mammals in southeastern Utah

Authors

Maite Sureda, University of Arizona, Tucson
Michael L. Morrison, University of Arizona, Tucson

Abstract

We describe habitat characteristics of 8 small mammal species occurring in the Manti-LaSal National Forest in southeastern Utah. Thirty-seven grids across 7 vegetation types were sampled by live-trapping from May through October 1994 and 1995. Logistic regression models of habitat measurements correctly classified small mammal presence 36%–87% of the time. Except for 1 instance, 4 Peromyscus species present in a specific vegetation type were negatively associated with forb or grass cover. Microtus montanus was present primarily on mesas and was positively associated with tall tree and low shrub cover. Neotoma mexicana was present only in canyons and was found primarily in the pinyon-juniper (Pinus edulis–Juniperus osteosperma) vegetation type. Tamias spp. was present in all vegetation types. Our results allow better management of these species by providing greater understanding of their use of habitat within vegetation types.

Recommended Citation

Sureda, Maite and Morrison, Michael L. (1999) "Habitat characteristics of small mammals in southeastern Utah," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 59: No. 4, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol59/iss4/3