Inventory of Mammals (Excluding Bats) of Richmond National Battlefield Park

Barry, Ronald; Sareen, Avinash

Frostburg State University (FSU) conducted a survey of the mammals of Richmond National Battlefield Park (RICH) in and east of Richmond, Virginia. Mammals (except bats) were surveyed in 2003–2004. Stratified (by habitat type) sampling of small to medium-sized mammals relied on the use of Sherman and Tomahawk live traps. Small shrews were targeted with pitfall traps. Direct observation was used to detect individuals and mammal sign helped confirm the identification of individuals of elusive species. Six principal habitat types (field , cultivated field, deciduous forest, mixed deciduous-coniferous forest, forested wetland, and wetland) were identified for sampling. Our survey resulted in 22 species of mammals either captured or observed within RICH. These species represent six orders and 13 families of mammals. We documented the presence of 58% (22 of 38) of the species (excluding bats) that possibly could occur and 90% (9 of 10) of those for which historical records exist. The survey resulted in 13 new species records for RICH. The white-footed deermouse (Peromyscus leucopus) was the most abundant and widely distributed mammal in the park. It was captured in Sherman traps in four (deciduous forest, mixed forest, forested wetland, and wetland) of the six principal habitat types and was the most abundant small mammal in each of these habitats. The woodland vole (Microtus pinetorum) was common in deciduous forest and the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) in mixed forest. The meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and eastern harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys humulis) were captured in low numbers in field habitat. The marsh oryzomys (rice rat - Oryzomys palustris) was caught in field, forested wetland, and wetland habitats. The house mouse (Mus musculus) was the only small mammal captured in cultivated field. Habitat-specific diversity of small mammals generally was low; it was greatest in forested habitats and lowest in wetlands for those habitat types where at least two species were captured. Small mammal species richness, although generally low, was highest in forested wetland habitat. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) was widely distributed, being either observed or captured in deciduous forest, mixed forest, and forested wetland habitats. Eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus) and woodchucks (Marmota monax) were observed frequently in open, grassy areas and forest-field edge. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) was observed often in deciduous forest and field habitats. American beaver (Castor canadensis) activity was apparent from sign observed at more than one location.

Inventory of Mammals (Excluding Bats) of Richmond National Battlefield Park

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