Graduate Abstract

Christine T. Herndon
Spring 2004

Vegetation Characteristics Associated with Small Mammal Populations in the Las Vegas Wash

by

Christine T. Herndon

Bachelor of Science
Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the

Master of Science Degree in Environmental Science

Department of Environmental Studies
Greenspun College of Urban Affairs

Graduate College
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Spring 2004

Dr. Shawn L. Gerstenberger, Examination Committee Chair
Associate Professor of Environmental Studies
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

ABSTRACT

Percent litter, average litter depth, percent bare ground, vegetation density, canopy, and distance to an ecotone boundary were measured and compared to small mammal capture locations in the Las Vegas Wash. Neotoma lepida appear to be greatly dependent upon the foliage litter of T. ramosissima. Alternatively, ecotone boundaries appear to be the most important factor affecting Dipodomys merriami distributions. Peromyscus eremicus distributions may be predicted based on vegetation density and increased canopy during shorter, winter torpor periods. Chaetodipus penicillatus were consistently associated with dense, seed-bearing vegetation, although C. penicillatus is extremely opportunistic and vegetation density should not limit their distributions. Long-term management strategies for the Las Vegas Wash should include the diverse habitat requirements of small mammals and also acknowledge the dependence of certain species on non-native vegetation.