Award Date

1-1-2006

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Environmental Science

First Committee Member

Shawn Gerstenberger

Number of Pages

103

Abstract

Capture frequency, diversity, richness, and population estimates of small mammals was measured in three distinct habitat types (Creosote, Saltbush, Tamarisk) in the Las Vegas Wash. For each habitat, the population estimates were analyzed by species. Capture frequency, diversity, richness, and population estimates were compared to ambient air temperature for twelve consecutive months. Fluctuations in small mammal populations appear to be greatly dependent on temperature. Neotoma lepida and Peromyscus eremicus appear to be dependent on Tamarisk communities; whereas, Chaetodipus spp. appears to be very adaptable and was captured in all habitats. Dipodomys merriami and Perognathus longimembris had the highest population estimates in Saltbush and Creosote, respectively. Accordingly, management strategies for the Las Vegas Wash should include consideration of the small mammal populations that reside in non-native vegetation, which was previously was thought to be unsuitable habitat. The data presented herein provide evidence that several small mammal species utilize Tamarisk a suitable habitat.

Keywords

Evaluation; Las Vegas; Mammal; Population; Small; Vegas; Wash

Controlled Subject

Environmental sciences; Forests and forestry; Zoology

File Format

pdf

File Size

2129.92 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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