Small mammal habitat selection in wooded ravine cooridors and hydro rights-of-ways

grantor: University of TorontoWildlife corridors have become used extensively in conservation strategies and landscape ecology. However, limited research has been conducted that either supports or refutes their ecological value. Moreover, few scientifically-based guiding principles exist for the evaluation and design of corridors, and there is a need for the development of more rigorous definitions which reflect their range of potential values for conservation. This research addressed these deficiencies by identifying the habitat variables important to five small mammal species occurring in plots situated within two examples of wildlife corridors: hydro Rights-of-ways (ROWs) and wooded ravines. Habitat analysis indicated that vegetation structure, rather than plant species composition or physical attributes, was the key factor influence species' distributions. These results will assist in the formulation of general strategies to create or improve wildlife habitat within corridors. The greater understanding of the ecological value of corridors will benefit initiatives intended to restore landscape connectivity.M.Sc.F