Presentation Abstract

Student's Name: Teresa Deasy '25

Co-registrant Names: Molly Wiederhold

Type of Presentation: Research Presentation

Presentation Title: "Do Small Mammals Occurring in Woodlans Recognized Tree Line Depending on their Habitat Preference when Released in a Meadow?"

Abstract:

Habitat selection plays a crucial role in the survival and behavior of small mammals. This study investigates whether small mammals, specifically habitat generalists and habitat specialists, are able to recognize tree lines when released in an open meadow dependent on their habitat preference. The small mammals were captured and released at three different plot points that altered the distance away from tree line. The small mammals were coated in non-toxic UV powder to track their movements throughout the meadow to determine which species type was able to move towards tree line most directly. A Chi- square analysis was used to analyze the data and determine whether the movement patterns between the two species differed significantly. It found that white-footed mice, a habitat generalist exhibited random movement or even accepted its location at the release points. The red backed vole, our habitat specialist, also followed the predicted pattern of more direct routes to the tree line. These findings suggest that habitat specificity influences the spatial awareness of small mammals.

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