Ecological Observations on the Woodrat, Neotoma floridana

Name: Ecological Observations on the Woodrat, Neotoma floridana
Author: Henry S. Fitch

By Henry S. Fitch

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Environmental Issues Nature/Gardening/Animals Science - Biology

About This Book

An eight-year ecological study of the eastern woodrat (Neotoma floridana) on a Kansas reservation uses live-trapping and field observation of 258 individuals (1,110 captures) to document habitat use, behavior, and population change. The authors identify strong preferences for protected rock outcrops, dense understory and certain tree bases, describe the construction and persistence of stick houses, and report movement patterns and site fidelity. Populations fluctuated with successional changes: protection from fire and grazing favored canopy closure that thinned understory cover and reduced suitable habitat, contributing to local declines. The report also notes the species’ role in providing shelter for other small animals and serving as prey for predators.

About the Author

Henry S. Fitch

Henry S. Fitch was an American biologist and herpetologist known for his extensive research on the ecology and behavior of reptiles and amphibians. His notable works include "A Field Study of the Kansas Ant-Eating Frog, Gastrophryne olivacea" and "Ecology of the Opossum on a Natural Area in Northeastern Kansas," which reflect his commitment to understanding the natural history of species in their habitats. Fitch's contributions to the field of ecology have provided valuable insights into the life histories and environmental interactions of various species, particularly in the Great Plains and surrounding regions.