Habitat Selection Of The White-Ankled Mouse (Peromyscus pectoralis) In Val Verde Co., Texas

Date

2015

Authors

Morgan, Clint

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Abstract

The purpose of this study conducted at the Devils River State Natural Area – Big Satan Unit (DRSNA - BSU), in Val Verde County, Texas, has been to delineate the seasonal vegetative resource selection of the White-ankled mouse (Peromyscus pectoralis), comparing trap-line indices of abundance, to geospatial plant community data. Trapping data were collected from trap-lines over a 21 month period (Feb 2013 - October 2014), resulting in 10,607 trap-nights and 185 P. pectoralis captures. Using ArcGIS software, trap-lines were buffered by the known approximate convex-polygon home range of P. pectoralis (A = 3,340m2), and spatially overlaid with the known active vegetation series of DRSNA – BSU. The percentage of each habitat within the buffered trap-line area was tested against the abundance indices of P. pectoralis using multiple linear regression modeling. Positive correlations were observed in winter and fall among the Lechuguilla-Sotol (P<0.001), Blackbrush (P<0.007), Guajillo (P<0.05), and Ashe Juniper-Oak vegetation series (P<0.03). Data suggests that vegetative habitat selection by P. pectoralis varies seasonally, and is likely dependent on the degree of seasonal resource availability within each vegetation type.

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Keywords

Habitat, Selection, Habitat suitability modeling, Peromyscus, Peromyscus pectoralis, White-ankled mouse, vegetation series

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