Rodent Communities in a Grazed and Ungrazed Arizona Grassland, and a Model of Habitat Relationships Among Rodents in Southwestern Grass/Shrublands

Jones, Zach F.; Bock, Carl E.; Bock, Jane H.

doi:10.1674/0003-0031(2003)149[0384:rciaga]2.0.co;2

Cited by 42 publications

(53 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Our results were consistent with two previous studies showing that grazing may even increase the number of deer mice (Philips 1936;Matlack et al 2001). In contrast, other studies on the same species did not find such increase in density (Hayward et al 1997;Jones et al 2003). Although examination of our survival analysis revealed no significant difference between models, all models were significantly different from the null model of a constant survival rate.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 91%

Impacts of cattle grazing on small-rodent communities: an experimental case study

et al. 2012

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We used experimental cattle ungrazed and grazed sites to evaluate what impact different intensities of cattle grazing have on deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner, 1845)) and meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus (Ord, 1815)). Live-trapping of these small rodents was conducted on paired treatment plots (grazed and ungrazed) at Sheep River Provincial Park in southwestern Alberta, Canada. Before grazing started, both rodent species were equally abundant in either grazed or ungrazed sites. Introduction of grazing resulted in strong but differing responses by both rodent species. Deer mice had higher population density (measured as individual animals trapped) in the grazed than in ungrazed plots, but their body mass was negatively correlated with increasing grazing pressure. Meadow voles were more heavily affected by grazing, as a strong avoidance of cattle-grazed plots was observed already at low grazing intensity. In addition, cattle grazing had noticeable effects, impacting the survival, sex and age ratios, and the ectoparasite prevalence of these two rodent populations. We conclude that there are diverse and different levels of impact of cattle grazing on those two rodents, leading to much more complex species interactions than previously thought. We suggest that the presence or absence, density, and body condition of small mammals could be used as a tool for ecosystem health assessment.Résumé : Nous utilisons des sites expérimentaux broutés et non broutés par le bétail afin d'évaluer l'impact de différentes intensités de broutage par le bétail sur les souris du crépuscule (Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner, 1845)) et les campagnols de Pennsylvanie (Microtus pennsylvanicus (Ord, 1815)). Nous avons procédé à du piégeage vivant de ces petits rongeurs sur des parcelles expérimentales appariées (broutées et non broutées) dans le parc provincial de Sheep River, sud-ouest de l'Alberta, Canada. Avant le début du broutage, les deux espèces de rongeurs étaient également abondantes dans les sites broutés et non broutés. L'introduction du broutage a causé des réactions fortes, mais distinctes, chez les deux espèces de rongeurs. Les souris du crépuscule ont une plus forte densité de population (nombre d'animaux piégés) dans les parcelles broutées que dans les non broutées, mais leur masse corporelle est en corrélation négative avec l'augmentation de la pression de broutage. Les campagnols de Pennsylvanie sont plus affectés par le broutage, puisqu'on observe un évitement des parcelles broutées, dès les faibles intensités de broutage. De plus, le broutage du bétail a des effets observables en modifiant la survie, les rapports des sexes et des âges et la prévalence des ectoparasites chez ces deux populations de rongeurs. Nous concluons qu'il existe des niveaux divers et différents d'impacts du broutage du bétail sur ces deux rongeurs, ce qui représente des interactions beaucoup plus complexes entre les espèces qu'on ne le croyait antérieurement. Nous suggérons d'utiliser la pré-sence ou absence, la densité et la co...

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 91%

Impacts of cattle grazing on small-rodent communities: an experimental case study

et al. 2012

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“…The authors observed that pocket gopher density increased by 14.3 pocket gophers per ha in the grazed sites over the ungrazed sites. Bock et al (1984), Bueno et al (2012), and Jones et al (2003) and reported that the abundance of rodents varied by species in how they responded to grazing in their habitat. The rodent responses were observed in different habitat types.…”

Section: Scholarly Work Of Livestock Grazing Impacts On Rodent Abundmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The rodent responses were observed in different habitat types. Jones et al (2003) trapped in grassland and mesquite oak savannah in southeastern Arizona. Bueno et al (2012) did not provide habitat information, but trapped in Alberta, Canada.…”

Section: Scholarly Work Of Livestock Grazing Impacts On Rodent Abundmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Bock et al (1984) trapped in semi-desert grassland in southeastern Arizona. Jones et al (2003) and Bock et al (1984) did not describe the type of grazing system utilized. In Jones et al (2003), the stocking density averaged about one AU per 25 ha.…”

Section: Scholarly Work Of Livestock Grazing Impacts On Rodent Abundmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Jones et al (2003) and Bock et al (1984) did not describe the type of grazing system utilized. In Jones et al (2003), the stocking density averaged about one AU per 25 ha. Bock et al (1984) described their grazing treatment as one AU per 10 ha.…”

Section: Scholarly Work Of Livestock Grazing Impacts On Rodent Abundmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Assessing Rodent Species Counts and Diversity in the Not-Grazed Montana De Oro State Park and the Rotationally Grazed Pecho Ranch

Lemos

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The available data examining the influence of rotational grazing on rodent responses are limited. This study investigated how rotational livestock grazing practices influence small mammal rodent abundances and species diversity. We looked for evidence of variation in the occurrence and/or numbers of certain rodent species among three plant community types (grassland, shrubland, grass-shrub mix), managed with or without grazing. We used Sherman live traps over a total of eight trapping sessions. We totaled 486 trapnights for each of the six plant community and grazing management combinations. The three plant community types were identified by visual cover.Out of the eight different species we captured, only Peromyscus maniculatus (North American deermouse) and Reithrodontomys megalotis (western harvest mouse) had sufficient captures to be analyzed for differences in abundance. Using all eight species to calculate the Shannon's diversity index for each plot, we found evidence that rodent species diversity is less in grassland habitats than in shrubland habitats or grassland/shrubland mixed habitats (p<0.001). We observed that the North American deermouse was most common in the not-grazed shrub habitat (p<0.05). The North American deermouse preferred the not-grazed grassland habitat to the grazed grassland habitat, and the not-grazed shrub habitat to the grazed shrub habitat. The North American deermouse was more prevalent in the grazed grassland/shrubland mixed habitats than the not-grazed mixed habitat. The western harvest mouse preferred the not-grazed grassland habitat to the grazed grassland habitat. Based on our results, the current rotational livestock grazing practices do not influence biological diversity, so no management adjustments are needed. The North American deermouse abundance would benefit from not-grazing management in a grassland community or in a shrubland community, but would benefit from rotationally grazing management in a mixed grassland/shrubland habitat. From a management perspective, the western harvest mouse would benefit from not-grazing in a grassland community, but appears unaffected by grazing in the shrubland and mixed communities.

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Species’ traits help predict small mammal responses to habitat homogenization by an invasive grass

Ceradini

Chalfoun

2017

Ecological Applications

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Invasive plants can negatively affect native species, however, the strength, direction, and shape of responses may vary depending on the type of habitat alteration and the natural history of native species. To prioritize conservation of vulnerable species, it is therefore critical to effectively predict species' responses to invasive plants, which may be facilitated by a framework based on species' traits. We studied the population and community responses of small mammals and changes in habitat heterogeneity across a gradient of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) cover, a widespread invasive plant in North America. We live-trapped small mammals over two summers and assessed the effect of cheatgrass on native small mammal abundance, richness, and species-specific and trait-based occupancy, while accounting for detection probability and other key habitat elements. Abundance was only estimated for the most common species, deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). All species were pooled for the trait-based occupancy analysis to quantify the ability of small mammal traits (habitat association, mode of locomotion, and diet) to predict responses to cheatgrass invasion. Habitat heterogeneity decreased with cheatgrass cover. Deer mouse abundance increased marginally with cheatgrass. Species richness did not vary with cheatgrass, however, pocket mouse (Perognathus spp.) and harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys spp.) occupancy tended to decrease and increase, respectively, with cheatgrass cover, suggesting a shift in community composition. Cheatgrass had little effect on occupancy for deer mice, 13-lined ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus), and Ord's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ordii). Species' responses to cheatgrass primarily corresponded with our a priori predictions based on species' traits. The probability of occupancy varied significantly with a species' habitat association but not with diet or mode of locomotion. When considered within the context of a rapid habitat change, such as caused by invasive plants, relevant species' traits may provide a useful framework for predicting species' responses to a variety of habitat disturbances. Understanding which species are likely to be most affected by exotic plant invasion will help facilitate more efficient, targeted management and conservation of native species and habitats.

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Rodent Communities in a Grazed and Ungrazed Arizona Grassland, and a Model of Habitat Relationships Among Rodents in Southwestern Grass/Shrublands

Cited by 42 publications

References 26 publications

Impacts of cattle grazing on small-rodent communities: an experimental case study

Impacts of cattle grazing on small-rodent communities: an experimental case study

Assessing Rodent Species Counts and Diversity in the Not-Grazed Montana De Oro State Park and the Rotationally Grazed Pecho Ranch

Species’ traits help predict small mammal responses to habitat homogenization by an invasive grass

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