Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center

17 Mar, 09 AM - 27 Mar, 04 AM

Biological dynamics in deserts are strongly influenced by water availability. In 1996-97 I quantified small mammal assemblage structure at Deep Canyon (Valley Floor, Rocky Slopes, Agave Hill, Pinyon Flat) as a function of habitat features, finding patterns that differed somewhat from that reported by Mark Ryan in his "Mammals of Deep Canyon." Since 1997 I have monitored assemblage composition and structure of small mammals at 4 sites in Deep Canyon proper (e.g., the valley floor and adjacent slopes) and at 2 sites at Agave Hill. Numbers captured (both by species and total) have varied dramatically, and species composition also has varied greatly over time. The purpose of this research is to continue to track small mammals at these 6 sites in an effort to quantify biotic responses to variation in annual rainfall (esp. as driven by El Nino events). Efforts currently involve biennial (Spring, Fall) surveys in an effort to document pre- and post-breeding populations.

Visit #20612 @Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center

Approved

Under Project # 21245 | Research

Temporal and spatial trends in small mammal assemblage structure.

faculty - University of California, Davis

Reservation Members(s)

Douglas Kelt Mar 17 - 27, 2010 (11 days)

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Mayhew housing facilities 1 Mar 17 - 27, 2010