Nocturnal Rodent Population Densities and Distribution at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona
Petryszyn Y and Russ S. 1996. Nocturnal Rodent Population Densities and Distribution at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona. Technical Report No. 52. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, National Park Service. Ajo, AZ
Distribution, number, and biomass of nocturnal rodents were determined at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument through the use of live capture-mark-release techniques. Sixteen sites were sampled throughout the monument. The cricetids (mostly white-throated woodrats [Neotoma albigula]and cactus mice[Peromyscus eremicus]) dominated the mountainous regions, while the heteromyids (pocket mice[Chaetodipus and Perognathus spp.] and kangaroo rats [Dipodomys spp.]) prevailed in the basins and bajadas. Biomass varied from 127 g/ha (1.8 oz/a.) to 2,625 g/ha (37.5 oz/a.), with a mean of 748 g/ha (10.7 oz/a.). Nocturnal rodent biomass on the monument in 1988 was estimated to be 100,142 kg (109.5 tons), and to consist of 3,000,000 individuals.Distribution, number, and biomass of nocturnal rodents were determined at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument through the use of live capture-mark-release techniques. Sixteen sites were sampled throughout the monument. The cricetids (mostly white-throated woodrats [Neotoma albigula]and cactus mice[Peromyscus eremicus]) dominated the mountainous regions, while the heteromyids (pocket mice[Chaetodipus and Perognathus spp.] and kangaroo rats [Dipodomys spp.]) prevailed in the basins and bajadas. Biomass varied from 127 glha (1.8 ozla.) to 2,625 glha (37.5 ozla.), with a mean of748 glha (10.7 ozia.). Nocturnal rodent biomass on the monument in 1988 was estimated to be 100,142 kg (109.5 tons), and to consist of 3,000,000 individuals.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Petryszyn, Yar; Russ, Stephen
- Date of Issue
- 1996-02
- Publisher
- Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, National Park Service
- Units
- ORPI
- Keywords
- Animals, Biomass, Distribution, Habitats, Inventory & Monitoring, Mammals (Mammalia), Mice, pocket mice & kangaroo rats (Heteromyidae), Population, rats, Rodents (Rodentia)