37th Annual Student Research Conference
Small Mammal Diversity Survey in Spring Creek Watershed, Northern Missouri
Kenneth H. Damper
Dr. Stephanie Fore, Faculty Mentor
Biological diversity is crucial in defining the function of an ecosystem. Small mammals less than 35 grams, such as mice and voles, in Missouri function as herbivores and insectivores, and are prey for larger animals. The objective of my research was to assess the diversity of small terrestrial mammals in four habitats at Union Ridge Conservation Area within Spring Creek Watershed in northeast Missouri over multiple seasons. Over two years, mammals were captured, identified, and released. I compared the number and abundance of each species, as well as the Shannon index in each habitat. The results of this diversity survey showed that the prairie site was more diverse than forest, savanna and prairie sites. Across the watershed, Peromyscus leucopus dominated in all habitats followed by Reithrodontomys megalotis.
Keywords: Small mammals, Diversity, community
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 307-1
Location: MG 1000
Time: 12:45