Publication: WETLAND VS. UPLAND HABITAT VEGETATION INFLUENCES ON SMALL MAMMAL ABUNDANCE
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Date
2026-04-16
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Type
Poster
Abstract
Small-mammal communities are strongly influenced by vegetation complexity and structure. This study compared small-mammal abundance between wetland and upland habitats on the Husson University campus in Bangor, Maine, to understand how vegetation structure shapes community dynamics. We conducted live trapping across four 30 m × 30 m grids (two wetland and two upland) over seven consecutive nights for the fall season, totaling 448 trap nights. We baited Sherman traps, checked them within 12 hours of setting, and identified, weighed, and, when possible, tagged captured individuals for recapture data. We developed an encounter history for each individual and used encounter histories to (1) evaluate whether capture-mark- recapture modeling assumptions were met, and (2) estimate capture rates, recapture rates, and population sizes for each focal species. Species observed included voles, mice, shrews, and squirrels. Based on previous research, we hypothesized that wetland habitats would support higher small mammal abundance due to increased vegetation complexity and resource availability. Results from this study contribute to understanding how specific habitat differences influence small mammal populations and provide insight into the role of vegetation structure in shaping community dynamics.