Effects of Native Dune Flora on Mammalian Diversity

Overview

Objectives/Goals Our objective is to determine whether abundance of native floral species, and/or floral diversity (Simpson's diversity index), has a significant correlation with mammal signs (tracks, burrows, etc.) per square meter. Methods/Materials Three six by twelve meter plots were flagged at three sample sites on three different beaches, ranging in native species dominance, determined by conducting preliminary surveys. Six randomly-selected quadrats (meter square plot divisions) were surveyed for floral basal coverage as well as quantity; the entire plot was surveyed for mammal signs using a mammal field guide. Results Native species abundance had a significant negative correlation with mammal signs per square meter. Overall plot basal coverage had a significant positive correlation with mammal sign quantity. Conclusions/Discussion Our conclusion is that mammal species, esp. small mice-like mammals, need high grasses (e.g. Ammophila arenaria) to survive; these high grasses are often invasive, accounting for the positive correlation between invasive species abundance and mammal sign quantity. Without adequate shelter, the large population of small mammals are hunted by larger predators (e.g. birds), reducing the population of mammals.

Competition history

• CSEF 2011 Environmental Science · Entry J1123

Resources

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