Grid-based habitat characterization (Sciuridae)

Knowledge graph centered on Grid-based habitat characterization (Sciuridae) with 69 nodes and 151 connections. Top connected: Marmota flaviventris, Ligusticum porteri, Delphinium, Asteraceae, Potentilla.

Method synopsis

Systematic measurement of microhabitat features including vegetation height, cover, and structural elements like perches within a standardized 7×7-m grid system across the study area.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 3 papers using this protocol.

Procedure from a recent peer-reviewed implementation

Steps below were extracted from the most recent peer-reviewed implementation of this protocol in the corpus — Habitat selection in a fluctuating ground squirrel population: Density - dependence and fitness consequences (2022), Ecology and Evolution. The protocol was originally introduced by The Effects of Distance From a Yellow-Bellied Marmot Burrow on Plant Diversity (2004). Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Establish grid system and habitat mapping
   Divided 16-hectare study area into 7×7-m grid system creating 2,888 total grid squares. Assigned each grid square to one of five habitat types (dry meadow, wet meadow, aspen, spruce, willow) based on the macrohabitat type comprising the greatest percent cover of that square during summers of 2000 and 2001.
   Quantities: 16 hectares total area, 2,888 grid squares of 7×7-m each, 5 habitat typesDuration: Initial mapping conducted during summers of 2000 and 2001Conditions: Summer field seasons
   Equipment: GPS units for grid establishment
2. Microhabitat feature measurement
   Measured vegetation height at five locations per grid square (center and toward each of four corners), then averaged and assigned to categories: 0%-25%, 26%-50%, 51%-75%, and 76%-100%. Assessed vegetation cover by ocular estimate in same four categories. Recorded number of suitable perches (rocks or stumps taller than maximum vegetation height within grid square, up to maximum of 10 perches counted, assigned 11 to grid squares with >10 perches).
   Quantities: 5 measurement points per grid square, 4 vegetation height categories, maximum 11 perch count per squareDuration: Late June until early August after maximum vegetation growth reachedConditions: After maximum vegetation growth achieved but before senescence
   measuring devices for vegetation height

Typical Equipment

• measuring devices for vegetation height
• GPS units

Output Measurements

• vegetation height
• vegetation cover
• perch density
• habitat classification

Papers Using This Protocol (3)

Species Studied With This Protocol