Microhabitat Use by Small Mammals in Even-Aged Forest Stands

Abstract

Microhabitat use by Sorex cinereus, Peromyscus leucopus and Clethrionomys gapperi was examined in small, even-aged stands of aspen (Populus spp.) and mixed-oak (Quercus spp.) from July to September for 3 years in central Pennsylvania. Peromyscus leucopus was least selective in microhabitat use, whereas C. gapperi was most selective. Overlap in microhabitat use was lowest between P. leucopus and C. gapperi. Sorex cinereus was captured more often in areas with high forb cover and few fallen logs. Peromyscus leucopus occurred more frequently in microhabitat plots with high growth-form diversity. Plots characterized by high total ground cover were important to C. gapperi. Microhabitat plots used by these three species of small mammals may reflect foraging and predator-avoidance activities and microclimatic conditions created by ground-level features in even-aged stands.