Changes in mammal species diversity at three borrow pits in east-central Indiana : preliminary results, year two : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

The purpose for this study was to record the differences in mammal species diversity at three borrow pits today, and the mammal species diversity at the same three borrow pits thirty years ago. We observed mammals at each of the three borrow pits for ten days. We trapped small mammals on the land surrounding each borrow pit using live traps. Observation determined the occurrence of large mammals. A totals of six mammal species were observed during this study, where as twelve mammals were observed thirty years ago. I captured five small mammal species at the borrow pits. Thirty years ago Maxwell and Kirkpatrick (1976) documented seven small mammals species at the borrow pits. During my study I did not observe any Feral House Mice (Mus musculus) at any of the three burrow pits. A very wet and cold winter and spring may explain the loss of a species.