Habitat association of mammals in Syracuse, New York

A 2-year study of the mammals in Syracuse, NY revealed the presence of 17 non-domestic species. Of the 13 species trapped in 20 greenspaces (Parks, greenbelts, private woodlots, etc.), white-footed mice (Peromyscus spp.), meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) comprised 65% of the 1040 captures from 13 344 functional trapnights of effort. Species richness ranged from 3 to 9 species captured in the greenspaces, that varied in size from 2 to 22 ha. Three interspecific associations were identified, but several species were associated with similar habitat features. Using Spearman's rank correlation (univariate) and canonical correlation (multivariate), capture success of each species and various combinations were correlated with one or more of 31 physical, biotic or cultural variables obtained from on-site measurements, aerial photographs, and Bureau of Census reports. Generally, variables measured from aerial photographs accounted for more of the variability in mammal abundance among areas than did detailed measurements of on-site physical or biotic conditions. Area of water, area of grass or field, area of pavement or gravel, and total greenspace often were significant, whereas specific characteristics of a vegetative type such as size-class of trees, diversity of herb layer, or percentage of canopy closure in the understory had little effect on the mammalian community. Mammals that can exist in urbanized areas apparently respond to the mosaic of habitats and land uses in the general area rather than those conditions found within specific greenspaces.