Undergraduate Abstract

Stephanie Harris
May 2006

The Impacts of Environmental Variables
on Small Mammal Communities in Eastern Nevada

A Thesis submitted in partial satisfaction
of the requirement for the degree of

Bachelor of Arts

In

Department of Environmental Studies
University of Nevada Las Vegas

By

Stephanie Harris

May 2006

Content Advisor:
Zane Marshall, SNWA Sr. Biologist, Environmental Planning
Aaron Ambos, SNWA Environmental Biologist II, Environmental Planning

Class Advisor:
Timothy J. Farnham, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Studies, UNLV
Timothy.Farnham@UNLV.edu

ENV 499 A & B

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to determine how four environmental variables: elevation, latitude, soil type, and vegetation impact the relative abundance of Peromyscus maniculatus and the species richness of small mammal populations in Eastern Nevada. In order to complete this study, a survey of small mammals was completed in the following 8 Eastern Nevada valleys; Delamar, Dry Lake, Dry lake-Muleshoe, Cave, Lake, Snake, Spring White River. In each valley, transects of Sherman live traps will be set up for 3 consecutive nights (O'Farrell et al 1977). Data on elevation, latitude, soil type, and vegetation were taken at each trap site. Non-paramedic PLR was then used to assess which variables were significant in determining Peromyscus maniculatus relative abundance and overall species richness. Polytomous logistic regression showed that soil was the only significant variable in determining species richness and relative abundance with a P-value of <.001.