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Description:
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Habitat , habitat edges , and microhabitat are important components for theories and concepts of community ecology . However , their effects have not been examined in many locations . Replicated studies in different ecosystems are necessary to determine the generality of the effects of these habitat variables .
The effects of trap -site disturbance and microhabitat on small mammal capture rates were examined in the Tularosa Basin of south -central New Mexico during 7 -14 April , 1996 . The study was conducted in a mixed desert scrub habitat characteristic of the Chihuahuan Desert . Small mammals were live -trapped on 32 study plots . Soil disturbance and microhabitat treatments were assigned to study plots in a completely randomized factorial design to test the hypothesis that trap -site disturbance can influence small mammal captures between microhabitats . Thirteen species of small mammals were captured , including four species of Heteromyidae , eight species of Muridae , and one species of Sciuridae . Peromyscus eremicus was captured more frequently at undisturbed sites (P=0 .004 ) and was recaptured more frequently under shrubs j[P=0 .048 ) . Neotoma micropus was captured less frequently at undisturbed sites in the open (P=0 .035 ) . No other species were affected by microhabitat , trap -site disturbance , or interactions (P >0 .05 ) . These results provide limited support to the hypothesis that trap -site disturbance can influence small mammal captures between microhabitats . |