Small-mammal responses to peat mining of southeastern Canadian bogs

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Mazerolle, Marc J.; Drolet, Bruno; Desrochers, André

Source:

Canadian Journal of Zoology, NRC Research Press, Volume 79, Issue 2, p.296-302 (2001)

Call Number:

A01MAZ01IDUS

Keywords:

ermine, long-tailed weasel, masked shrew, meadow jumping mouse, meadow vole, Microtus pennsylvanicus, Mustela erminea, Mustela frenata, peatland mining, pygmy shrew, Sorex cinereus, Sorex hoyi, Sorex palustris, sphagnum moss, Synaptomys cooperi, water shrew, Zapus hudsonius

Abstract:

Bogs, or ombrotrophic peatlands, are well represented in parts of southeastern Canada but are subjected to increasing pressure from the peat industry. The authors assessed the impact of peat mining on small mammals inhabiting unexploited bog fragments on the periphery of mined bogs. They conducted two separate studies in bogs mined to different levels (0–83%) in southeastern Québec and New Brunswick. The first study used a low sampling effort over 1 month in 26 bogs, while the second used a high sampling effort of 6 months spread across 2 years in 12 bogs. Of the 15 small-mammal species encountered, only 2 were bog specialists. Abundance and species richness of small mammals in bog fragments increased significantly with percentage of area mined and, in some cases, increased with bog area. Both studies suggest that disturbances resulting from peat mining facilitate the invasion of more generalized small-mammal species. Furthermore, small mammals were more abundant near forest or mined edges than at bog centers, and some species responded strongly to vegetation cover. The response of small mammals to peat mining contrasts with the one documented for birds, amphibians, and plants.

Notes:

ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology