SEDL / STP / STP1458-EB / STP11947S

Habitat Ranking System for the Threatened Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) in Eastern Colorado

Ryon, TR
Senior Wildlife Biologist, MFG/TetraTech, Inc., Fort Collins, CO

Bonar, MJ
Natural Resource Manager, El Paso County, Colorado Springs, CO

Sherff-Norris, KL
Wildlife Biologist, Colorado Springs Utilities, Colorado Springs, CO

Schorr, RA
Wildlife Biologist, Colorado State University, College of Natural Resources, Fort Collins, CO

Pages: 19    Published: Jan 2004

Download this paper for $25 PDF (460K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

An objective, quantitative method was devised to delineate and rank habitat of the federally listed Preble's meadow jumping mouse in the Monument Creek watershed in eastern (El Paso County) Colorado. Methods involved review of field studies and devising a set of instructions to develop a habitat map based on field study results. Information was included from field research on individual mouse movement and home range, as well as the habitat continuum that includes vegetation characteristics at sites that supported high densities of Preble's mice as well as those that had low densities of mice. Preble's mice are considered to use lush riparian vegetation as well as dense upland vegetation adjacent to riparian areas. Radio telemetry data were reviewed to establish a relationship between riparian edge and the extent (i.e., linear distance from riparian edge) to which Preble's mice use upland areas. Riparian vegetation mapping, aerial photos, and hydrology were used as a basis for mapping habitat. The ultimate purpose of the Habitat Ranking System is to provide a foundation for sound conservation of habitat in El Paso County.