Distribution, Relative Abundance and Macrohabitat Associations of Small Mammals in Saguaro National Monument, Southeast, Arizona
Flesch AD. 2002. Distribution, Relative Abundance and Macrohabitat Associations of Small Mammals in Saguaro National Monument, Southeast, Arizona. Wildlife & Fisheries Science Program, School of Renewable Natural Resources, University of Arizona. Tucson, Arizona
We surveyed small mammals in Saguaro National Monument to document distribution, relative abundance, and macrohabitat associations. Trap grids (n-66) were placed at random and nonrandom points throughout the monument in all vegetation types with significant coverage. We trapped 835 animals of 15 species, 9 of which were captured > 30 times. Dipodomys merriami, perognathus amplus, and Chaetodipus penicillatus occurred only in dsertscrub whereas Neotoma Mexicana and Eutamias dorsalis occurred only above semidesert grassland. Peromyscus boylii was the most common rodent at high elevations and the only species of Peromyscus found above semidesert grassland. Macrohabitat associations for 6 of 11 species, total relative abundance, and species richness were best described by elevation (P, 0.05). No relationship was found between macrohabitat and aspect whereas only one species (C. intermedius) showed a strong association with slope. Relative abundance of D. merriami, P. amplus, and C. penicillatus were associated only with physiography. Information obtained in this study will provided a basis of comparison with other areas in the region and assist in inventory, monitoring, and management efforts within the monument.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Flesch, Aaron
- Date of Issue
- 2002
- Publisher
- Wildlife & Fisheries Science Program, School of Renewable Natural Resources, University of Arizona
- Units
- SAGU
- Keywords
- Animal Communities (Wildlife), distribution of small mammals