Pika survey report for Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Shardlow M and Rodhouse TJ. 2007. Pika survey report for Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. National Park Service. Moscow, Idaho
Pikas are well suited for presence-absence surveys and given the vast area of potential habitat at CRMO, this approach is highly efficient. In September 2007, observers surveyed 72 randomly selected sites in the northern portion of the Monument to detect both direct (visual and aural) and indirect (fresh scat and haypiles) pika sign. Surveys were conducted in 12 m plots for 20 minutes with two visits per site. Target surveys were conducted in southern low-elevation areas of the preserve to determine the extent of pika distribution, and numerous sites with historic pika observations were also surveyed. Additional targeted searches were also made in October 2007 along the northern and northeastern margins of lava flows adjacent to the Monument boundary. These efforts were designed to contribute to our understanding of the current southern/lower elevation limit of pika in CRMO, estimate the proportion of area occupied in the northern portion of the park, estimate pika site occupancy and pika detectability, allow for comparison with recent pika surveys conducted at Lava Beds National Monument, and provide recommendations for a long-term pika monitoring program in CRMO.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Shardlow, Mackenzie; Rodhouse, Thomas
- Date of Issue
- 2007-11
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- CRMO , UCBN
- Keywords
- Mammal Inventory, Observations, pika, Pika Inventory, Presence (Biodiversity), Small Mammal, Survey