The effects of recreational trail use on small mammal species richness and abundance

Abstract

RMBL is a prominent field station in Colorado containing native plants and animals of Western Colorado. The recreational trails near the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) are an important resource for the community. They generate touristic income for the surrounding cities and are an important place for scientific research and education. However, human activity can lead to behavioral and ecological changes in wildlife and communities. Knowing whether the regulations currently being implemented to regulate the trails are sufficient to protect the wildlife is imperative. Utilizing triggered camera traps for small mammals implemented from a study conducted in 2019 and trail cameras, we looked into the effects of recreational trails on small mammals. This three-part study compared rodent activity from bucket camera trapping to the live trapping census; measured human activity by trail game cameras on trails with different levels of pedestrian and biker activity; and, determined there were no significant negative impacts of high trail use on rodent species richness and abundance.

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