00684nas a2200157 4500008004100000245010200041210006900143300001200212490000800224100001800232700001800250700001800268700001500286700001900301856020600320 2020 eng d00aCommunities of small mammals, tallgrass prairie, and prescribed fire: a fire-reversal experiment0 aCommunities of small mammals tallgrass prairie and prescribed fi a31 - 490 v1231 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.M.1 aReed, A.W.1 aRehmeier, R.L. uhttps://bioone.org/journals/Transactions-of-the-Kansas-Academy-of-Science/volume-123/issue-1-2/062.123.0103/Communities-of-Small-Mammals-Tallgrass-Prairie-and-Prescribed-Fire/10.1660/062.123.0103.short03171nas a2200265 4500008004100000245008700041210006900128300001400197490000800211520237200219653002102591653001402612653001802626653003402644653002902678653002302707653002302730653001202753653002302765653001102788653001902799100001802818700001802836856005102854 2018 eng d00aSmall mammals in the northern Flint Hills prairie: Overwinter changes in abundance0 aSmall mammals in the northern Flint Hills prairie Overwinter cha a297 - 3150 v1213 a

It is assumed that abundance of individual species of rodents and shrews in temperate regions decrease overwinter owing to winter mortality and cessation of reproduction. We wanted to examine this autumn versus spring pattern by using a 32-year long-term dataset from seven treatment sites on Konza Prairie Biological Station near Manhattan, Kansas, although we could not examine mortality or reproduction directly. We specifically wanted to determine first whether long-term patterns for species of small mammals showed that abundance decreased from autumn to spring and secondarily whether these patterns held among years and different habitat types. The decrease from autumn to spring was supported but, for individual species, varied from a 4% decrease to a 99–100% decrease. For the ten species that had at least one capture in either autumn or spring, the years in which autumn abundance was greater than that in spring varied among species; the range was from 44% of years for thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) to 100% for Elliot's short-tailed shrew (Blarina hylophaga). Likewise, patterns of decrease varied considerably among habitat types when spring abundance was compared as a percent of autumn abundance in the six most common species in seven research treatments. For example, spring abundance of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), the most common small mammal, was only 52–54% of that in autumn for ungrazed sites that were burned annually, burned every 4 years or burned infrequently, whereas it was 105–130% of autumn abundance in bison-grazed sites that were burned annually or burned infrequently. Among the seven research treatments, the two least variable species decreasing in abundance from autumn to spring were Elliot's short-tailed shrews (spring populations were only 0–2% of those in autumn) and hispid cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus; spring populations only 0–15% of those in autumn). Given the length of the study period, the high proportion of years that numbers of the common rodents increased from autumn to spring within the highly diverse mosaic of prairie studied suggests that a significant level of reproduction can occur between autumn and spring in many years, a life history trait that requires more study, especially in light of global climate change.

10aAnnual variation10adeer mice10aKonza Prairie10aLong-term ecological research10anative tallgrass prairie10aoverwinter decline10arelative abundance10arodents10aSeasonal variation10ashrews10asite variation1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttp://www.bioone.org/doi/10.1660/062.121.041302511nas a2200253 4500008004100000245009200041210006900133300001400202490000800216520175400224653002501978653001702003653001502020653001802035653002902053653001702082653001202099653001102111653002502122653002302147100001802170700001802188856005102206 2017 eng d00aLow biodiversity of small mammals in soybean fields in the northern Flint Hills, Kansas0 aLow biodiversity of small mammals in soybean fields in the north a175 - 1820 v1203 a

We studied small mammals in lowland soybean fields along Kings Creek on Konza Prairie during autumn 1981 and spring 1982 to assess the composition of the small mammal community in this particular cropland habitat. We also compared species composition and other community characteristics in these crop fields to those observed in native prairie, planted brome grasslands and riparian woodlands. The small mammal community in the soybean fields was dominated by seed-eating rodents as we recorded 100% deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) during autumn and primarily deer mice (92%) with a low proportion (8%) of white-footed mice (P. leucopus) during spring. In upland tallgrass prairie comprised primarily of warm-season grasses, the small mammal community was dominated by deer mice (32%), western harvest mice (30%; Reithrodontomys megalotis) and by white-footed mice (8%) in autumn and then by deer mice (35%), white-footed mice (22%) and harvest mice (21%) in spring. The community of small mammals in soybean fields was not only different from that in native upland prairie but also from nearby brome fields. In this cool-season grass habitat, herbivorous rodents dominated as >80% of the small mammals were hispid cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) during autumn and then prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) and cotton rats combined in spring. The small mammal community in nearby lowland and slope prairie collected over many seasons during different years also supports the expectation that the community in soybean fields was drastically different from what would have occurred in lowland prairie habitat (most likely dominated by prairie voles, deer mice and western harvest mice) before European settlement and agricultural impacts.

10aAgricultural impacts10abrome fields10adeer mouse10aKonza Prairie10anative tallgrass prairie10aprairie vole10arodents10ashrews10awestern harvest mice10awhite-footed mouse1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttp://www.bioone.org/doi/10.1660/062.120.040403228nas a2200241 4500008004100000245012600041210006900167300001400236490000800250520248500258653002402743653001502767653000902782653001702791653002302808653001202831653001102843653002402854653002102878100001802899700001802917856005102935 2017 eng d00aSmall mammals in anthropogenic brome fields as compared to native tallgrass prairie in the northern flint hills of kansas0 aSmall mammals in anthropogenic brome fields as compared to nativ a157 - 1690 v1203 a

We studied small mammals in planted smooth brome (Bromus inermis) fields on Konza Prairie to assess the small mammal community associated with these frequently occurring anthropogenic grasslands in eastern Kansas. Also, we wanted to understand the impacts of land use changes resulting from this type of anthropogenic change as compared to native habitats. Relative to this latter interest, we compared the small mammal community in brome fields to that found in native tallgrass prairie, also on Konza Prairie, for the same years and seasons during the early to mid-1980s. Small mammals were trapped in brome (n = 2 study sites) and native tallgrass prairie (n = 14) in autumn (6 years), spring (5) and summer (4) during 1981–1986. Overall, 173 and 1893 individuals of rodents and shrews were captured in brome and native prairie, respectively. Across all seasons, community abundance in brome was greater in autumn than in spring and summer. Patterns of community abundance among seasons in brome were not proportionally similar to those found in tallgrass prairie. Although proportions in autumn were similar, the patterns in spring and summer were in contrasting directions; spring was higher in brome and summer was higher in prairie. When all seasons were combined, no effect on community abundance was observed from burning the brome fields. Community abundance in brome was similar on burned and unburned traplines in autumn and spring but not in summer. In summer, greater abundance of small mammals occurred on burned than on unburned research sites. The proportion of small mammals in burned brome fields in the three seasons mirrored the proportions observed on burned sites in native prairie. In contrast, these proportions were not similar for spring and summer in brome and prairie for unburned study sites. Species composition and the numerical dominance of species varied greatly between brome fields and native prairie overall as well as among seasons. Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) were numerically dominant in brome fields, whereas deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) were in native prairie. Furthermore, herbivorous rodents were numerically dominant in brome fields, whereas seed-eating omnivores were the predominant species in native prairie. Finally, our study indicates that agricultural land use change can result in temporally and spatially variable small mammal communities that do not mirror those found in native tallgrass prairie.

10acommunity abundance10adeer mouse10afire10aprairie vole10arelative abundance10arodents10ashrews10aSpecies composition10aSpecies richness1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttp://www.bioone.org/doi/10.1660/062.120.040202786nas a2200241 4500008004100000245010400041210006900145300001300214490000800227520206500235653001402300653001402314653001702328653001802345653002902363653002902392653001702421653001402438653001502452100001802467700001802485856004102503 2014 eng d00aPlains harvest mice in tallgrass prairie: abundance, habitat association and individual attributes0 aPlains harvest mice in tallgrass prairie abundance habitat assoc a167 -1800 v1173 a

The plains harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys montanus) inhabits grasslands in the Great Plains, but little is known about its ecology and natural history in native tallgrass prairie. We sampled native tallgrass prairie in spring and autumn by standard traplines on the Konza Prairie Biological Station during autumn 1981-spring 2013 and for shorter time periods in woodlands and brome fields. In addition to our long-term research, we studied small mammals on a large Prairie Grid (∼13 ha) that was trapped intensively (about every 2 weeks except in winter) during 1984–1987. Plains harvest mice (n = 39) were captured in native prairie but not in brome fields or wooded habitats. In all prairie sites, they were found to be rare (1.1 individuals/10,000 trap nights [TN]); in 14 Core Sites sampled for 32 years, abundance was higher in autumn (1.95/10,000 TN) than in spring (0.70/10,000 TN). It was not apparent that these low abundances were related to precipitation or another weather feature. On the Prairie Grid, plains harvest mice were associated with uplands and secondarily with slopes, whereas they avoided lowlands. Furthermore, they showed a positive response to conditions that are created during the first growing season following spring prescribed fires. Overall, 44% of individuals were males and this value did not differ from a 1:1 sex ratio. Non-reproductive females (8.7 g) were slightly larger than males (8.3 g); only females occupied the largest body size class (11.0–11.5 g). The smallest pregnant female weighed 9.0 g, whereas the smallest female that was lactating as evidenced by conspicuous mammae weighed 7.0 g. Pregnancies were recorded in spring, summer and autumn but not in winter; about one-third of females captured were pregnant. A juvenile (5.5 g) was captured in summer. We conclude that to understand this rare species (ca. 0.1% of the small mammal community on Konza Prairie) even studies with small sample sizes are important to elucidate the natural history and ecology of the plains harvest mouse.

10aabundance10abody size10afire effects10aKonza Prairie10anative tallgrass prairie10aReithrodontomys montanus10areproduction10asex ratio10atopography1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttps://doi.org/10.1660/062.117.030201641nas a2200133 4500008004100000245012000041210006900161300001100230490000800241520118100249100001801430700001801448856004101466 2014 eng d00aWoodland voles captured among sparse shrubs in native tallgrass prairie on Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas0 aWoodland voles captured among sparse shrubs in native tallgrass  a76 -780 v1173 a

From autumn 1981 through spring 2009, woodland voles (Microtus pinetorum) were captured rarely and only in woodland habitats (four in ca. 15,000 trap nights) and never in grassland habitats (ca. 300,000 trap nights) on the Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas. Konza Prairie is located in the Flint Hills region of eastern Kansas in Geary and Riley counties (see Knapp and Seastedt 1998 or http://keep.konza.ksu.edu/visit/map.htm for maps and location). We summarized characteristics of these voles (all four voles captured in moist gallery forest; Kaufman and Kaufman 2009) as well as their locations and habitat features because small mammals only were to be sampled in grassland sites away from gallery forest habitats as we completed our long-term studies of small mammals during autumn 2009 through spring 2013 (nearly 30,000 more trap nights during this time period). Unexpectedly, two woodland voles were captured in a prairie site during March 2013, which was the last sampling period of our 32 year study. Herein, we describe the characteristics of the two voles captured along a prairie trapline plus features of the habitat surrounding capture locations.

1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttps://doi.org/10.1660/062.117.011001933nas a2200157 4500008004100000245011900041210006900160300001300229490000700242520139800249100001801647700001801665700001801683700001801701856005601719 2012 eng d00aMultiple factors limit use of local sites by Elliot's short-tailed shrews (Blarina hylophaga) in tallgrass prairie0 aMultiple factors limit use of local sites by Elliots shorttailed a210 -2210 v903 a

Spatial variation in abundance has been attributed to habitat heterogeneity and patchiness. Our goal in this research was to understand what factors were associated with spatial patterns of habitat use by Elliot’s short-tailed shrews (Blarina hylophaga Elliot, 1899) in tallgrass prairie. Our modeling efforts were based on 20 years (1981–2000) of presence–absence data for shrews at each of 20 stations (local site) along 14 permanent traplines on Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas, USA. A logistic model accurately predicted the presence of short-tailed shrews at a local site. Probability of shrew occurrence decreased as amount of precipitation decreased, slope steepness increased, grazing increased, or burned area within 500 m of a local site increased. However, when amount of precipitation was low, area burned was high, or grazing occurred, shrews were uncommon and responded little to the other variables. Numbers of shrews were negatively related only to numbers of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner, 1845)), a mouse that selects burned and grazed habitats that shrews avoid. Our observations suggest that multiple environmental factors limit use of local sites, whereas competition with other species does not. Our results can inform decisions related to conservation of biodiversity given management practices in this endangered ecosystem.

1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aMatlack, R.S.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aHiggins, J.J. uhttp://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/10.1139/z11-12802685nas a2200265 4500008004100000245010400041210006900145300001300214490000800227520188700235653001402122653002902136653001402165653002302179653001802202653002302220653001702243653002502260653001702285653002202302100001802324700001802342700001802360856004102378 2011 eng d00aAbundance and spatiotemporal distribution of the non-native house mouse in native tallgrass prairie0 aAbundance and spatiotemporal distribution of the nonnative house a217 -2300 v1143 a

We have sampled small mammals on the Konza Prairie Biological Station, in eastern Kansas, from autumn 1981 through the present. One part of this effort has involved sampling rodents and shrews on 14 permanent traplines (20 stations, 15-m interstation intervals and 4 consecutive nights) situated in native tallgrass prairie during each of 29 autumns and 29 springs as well as 6 summers. In these permanent sites, house mice (Mus musculus) were extremely uncommon as illustrated by average abundances of 0.023 mice/100 trap nights (TN) in autumn, 0.022 mice/100 TN in summer and 0.000 mice/100 TN in spring. Precipitation in summer influenced autumn use of tallgrass prairie by house mice; captures only occurred in autumn when precipitation was ≥300 mm in the previous summer. House mice were slightly more likely (though not significantly) to be captured in lowland than upland or hill slope prairie. The distribution of occurrence was not influenced by fire (burned or unburned) or grazing history (grazed or ungrazed). Over our total trapping efforts on Konza Prairie (sampling on the permanent traplines plus other traplines and grids), we captured only 36 house mice or about 0.01 individual/100 TN. Overall, more males (64%) than females were captured; males, on average, were larger (14.0 g) than females (10.5 g) in body size; females typically were non-reproductive (only one of 13 was pregnant) and individuals typically were trapped only once. Captures were distributed broadly in both space and time and lacked predictability (i.e., exhibited an “anti-nested” distribution of captures). These and other patterns suggest that most house mice were transients in the tallgrass prairie. Distribution and abundance of house mice also imply that this introduced species is extremely uncommon and likely will never be invasive in native tallgrass prairie.

10aabundance10aanti-nested distribution10abody size10aintroduced species10aKonza Prairie10alimestone outcrops10aMus musculus10aplanted brome fields10areproduction10awoodland habitats1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, D.M.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttps://doi.org/10.1660/062.114.030302405nas a2200253 4500008004100000245006400041210005900105300001100164490000800175520171900183653001401902653001401916653002001930653000901950653001201959653002501971653001701996653002202013653001802035653002102053100001802074700001802092856004102110 2011 eng d00aThe least shrew on Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas0 aleast shrew on Konza Prairie Biological Station Kansas a47 -580 v1143 a

We report specific locations and attributes of least shrews (Cryptotis parva) captured over a 29-year period on the Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas. We used large, nonfolding Sherman live traps to survey small mammals in native tallgrass prairie habitats (by traplines and grids), woodland habitats (by traplines and grids) and planted brome fields (traplines only). Eighty-seven least shrews were captured over the 29 years of surveys (ca. 350,000 trap nights). Almost all captures (98%) occurred in prairie habitat; 80% of all captures occurred on a prairie grid during a 5-year period. Least shrews on prairie traplines were captured in a variety of topographic positions (upland, hillside slope and lowland) and in burned and unburned prairie, but not in prairie grazed by bison. We captured individuals that ranged in body size from 2.5–8.0 g. The mean body mass of all captured least shrews was 4.7 g (excluding pregnant females) and, when only adults were included (excluding pregnant females), it was 5.1g. We noted 13 pregnancies among 12 females; the earliest pregnancy was recorded in mid-April and latest in mid-October. Most pregnancies (ca. 70%) were recorded in two months, July and September. Lactating females that were not pregnant were larger in size (5.5 g) than non-reproductive females (4.4 g). Response of least shrews to live traps was not neophobic; and, in fact, about 30% of the shrews were captured on day 1 of a 4-day trapping period on prairie sites. Our data add information about attributes of least shrews living in natural habitats, such as the tallgrass prairie, and support two previous studies, which suggested that least shrews are rare on Konza Prairie.

10aabundance10abody size10aCryptotis parva10afire10aGrazing10aplanted brome fields10areproduction10atallgrass prairie10atrap response10awoodland habitat1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttps://doi.org/10.1660/062.114.010400366nas a2200121 4500008004100000245005300041210005200094300001300146490000800159100001800167700001800185856004100203 2011 eng d00aObservation of porcupine in Geary County, Kansas0 aObservation of porcupine in Geary County Kansas a142 -1430 v1141 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttps://doi.org/10.1660/062.114.011501452nas a2200145 4500008004100000245011700041210006900158300001300227490000700240520096400247100001801211700001801229700001801247856004101265 2011 eng d00aTreated versus new traps: does chronic application of disinfectant to live traps reduce trappability of rodents?0 aTreated versus new traps does chronic application of disinfectan a224 -2300 v563 a

We examined whether chronic exposure of traps to disinfectant reduced trappability of rodents as compared to new traps. We tested whether rodents initially chose between treated (disinfected) and new traps and if total number of captures differed between these treatments. Disinfectant did not reduce catchability of traps; rodents actually preferred treated traps. In initial pair-wise choice tests, rodents overall and the predominant North American deermouse, Peromyscus maniculatus, chose significantly more treated than new traps, although this difference disappeared as time of exposure of new traps in the environment increased. Total captures of small mammals and North American deermice did not differ between treated and new traps. Therefore, treated traps were never avoided; this has important implications in general, but especially for long-term studies where censuses are conducted using pre-disinfectant and post-disinfectant protocols.

1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.M.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttps://doi.org/10.1894/F12-RTS-12.102452nas a2200145 4500008004100000245009700041210006900138300001100207490000800218520197700226100001902203700001902222700001802241856004702259 2011 eng d00aVegetation responses to an animal-generated disturbance (bison wallows) in tallgrass prairie0 aVegetation responses to an animalgenerated disturbance bison wal a60 -730 v1653 a

Bison (Bos bison) were a keystone species in the tallgrass prairie region of the Great Plains of North America. Cattle (Bos taurus) have been described as a functional equivalent to bison and have replaced bison in most of the grassland that remains intact. However, non-grazing behaviors influence grassland dynamics and are dissimilar between bison and cattle. Wallowing behavior (a non-grazing behavior by bison, but not cattle) creates disturbances (wallows) that were a common feature (may have numbered more than 100 million) of tallgrass prairie prior to extirpation of bison and conversion of most land to row-crop agriculture. We hypothesized that wallows are a unique disturbance that significantly influence both the structure and function of tallgrass prairie. We examined the response of plants to wallowing disturbances on Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas, where a herd of approximately 200 bison had year-round access to 1000 ha of native tallgrass prairie. We determined the influence of this disturbance type on aboveground net primary production (ANPP), plant species richness and diversity, and plant life form richness and diversity. The ANPP at the edge of wallowing disturbances was double the production in wallows and in adjacent prairie, which were not different from year to year. Plant species richness and diversity were significantly lower in wallows than at the edge of wallows and in adjacent prairie during all years of the study. However, composition of species were dissimilar among locations (e.g., 16% of all plant species samples were found only in the wallows); and, therefore, wallows increased the local and likely regional diversity of plant species. Likewise, wallowing disturbances increased local richness and diversity of plant life forms. It appears that these once common wallowing disturbances increase the diversity of tallgrass prairie beyond that of prairie that is grazed only (i.e., prairie with cattle).

1 aMcMillan, B.R.1 aPfeiffer, K.A.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttps://doi.org/10.1674/0003-0031-165.1.6000433nas a2200121 4500008004100000245006500041210006000106300001300166490000800179100001800187700001800205856008800223 2010 eng d00aThe least weasel on Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas0 aleast weasel on Konza Prairie Biological Station Kansas a206 -2080 v1131 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/least-weasel-konza-prairie-biological-station-kansas01871nas a2200205 4500008004100000245007300041210006800114300001300182490000800195520120400203653001401407653002301421653002501444653002201469653002201491653002001513100001801533700001801551856009601569 2010 eng d00aThe meadow jumping mouse on Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas0 ameadow jumping mouse on Konza Prairie Biological Station Kansas a209 -2160 v1133 aWe report specific locations, habitat associations and attributes of meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius) captured over a 28-year period on the Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas. We used large Sherman live traps to survey small mammals in native tallgrass prairie habitats (by traplines and grids), woodland habitats (by traplines and grids) and planted brome fields (traplines only). Fifteen meadow jumping mice were captured over the 28 years of surveys (a total of >300,000 trap nights). Nine males and six females were captured between late June and October; only a single male was scrotal and no females were visibly reproductively active. Furthermore, meadow jumping mice were from young adult-to-adult body size (13.5–21.0 g), except for a 9.5 g male trapped in mid-October. In terms of habitat association, more meadow jumping mice were captured in woodland habitats than in native prairie (standardized to trapping efforts in each habitat). No jumping mice were captured in brome fields. We conclude that overall the meadow jumping mouse is rare, but might be locally common in some years, on Konza Prairie, which lies near the southwestern edge of its current range distribution.10aabundance10alimestone outcrops10aplanted brome fields10atallgrass prairie10awoodland habitats10aZapus hudsonius1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/meadow-jumping-mouse-konza-prairie-biological-station-kansas00415nas a2200133 4500008004100000245006200041210006100103300001300164490000800177100001800185700001800203700001800221856004200239 2010 eng d00aSmall mammals as winter prey of long-eared owls in Kansas0 aSmall mammals as winter prey of longeared owls in Kansas a217 -2220 v1131 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aBrillhart, D. uhttps://www.jstor.org/stable/4130961200388nas a2200121 4500008004100000245006600041210006100107300001300168490000800181100001800189700001800207856004100225 2009 eng d00aThe woodland vole on Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas0 awoodland vole on Konza Prairie Biological Station Kansas a229 -2300 v1121 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttps://doi.org/10.1660/062.112.041302246nas a2200145 4500008004100000245007200041210006900113300001000182490000800192520159900200100001801799700001801817700001801835856024701853 2008 eng d00aInfluence of woody vegetation on small mammals in tallgrass prairie0 aInfluence of woody vegetation on small mammals in tallgrass prai a7 -190 v1603 a

We examined response of small mammals to woody invasion of tallgrass prairie in northeastern Kansas by sampling sites that ranged from 0 to 100% in woody cover (i.e., frequently burned prairie to unburned closed-canopy gallery forest; woody coverage mapped from satellite imagery). Abundance and biomass of small mammals initially increased with increasing woody vegetation, but then decreased to their lowest level at 100% woody cover. Richness was greatest (an average of seven species) where woody cover was ≤17% and decreased to one species where woody cover was 100%. Abundance of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) increased as woody cover increased from 0 to 62% cover, but decreased in forested sites (100% cover). Abundance of western harvest mice (Reithrodontomys megalotis) decreased as woody cover increased; they were not recorded in forested sites. Deer mice (P. maniculatus) were present in sites with no to low levels of woody vegetation, but were absent in sites with moderate to high levels of woody cover. The 11 species captured were recorded in sites that had little woody vegetation (≤17% cover), whereas only seven species were captured at sites where considerable woody vegetation (≥28% cover) occurred. Even white-footed mice and eastern woodrats, which are considered woodland forms, decreased in abundance or were absent from forested sites. Overall, the results demonstrate that even relatively small amounts of woody vegetation in prairie landscapes can alter abundance, biomass and species richness and composition of small mammal communities.

1 aMatlack, R.S.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttps://bioone.org/journals/the-american-midland-naturalist/volume-160/issue-1/0003-0031(2008)160%5b7%3aIOWVOS%5d2.0.CO%3b2/Influence-of-Woody-Vegetation-on-Small-Mammals-in-Tallgrass-Prairie/10.1674/0003-0031(2008)160[7:IOWVOS]2.0.CO;2.short01694nas a2200241 4500008004100000245010600041210006900147300001300216490000800229520089200237653001601129653001401145653001801159653002701177653002201204653001501226653001301241653001901254100001501273700001801288700001801306856012801324 2007 eng d00aDiurnal activity and habitat associations of white-tailed deer in tallgrass prairie of eastern Kansas0 aDiurnal activity and habitat associations of whitetailed deer in a145 -1540 v1103 aDiurnal and seasonal patterns of activity and habitat associations of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were assessed in a mosaic of grassland and woodland habitats on the Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas. We recorded deer seen during daylight hours in summer, autumn and winter periods from June 1997 through February 1998. Overall, diurnal activity increased from summer to winter and was largely crepuscular (i.e., early morning and late evening). Deer were observed primarily in lower uplands during summer and winter, and in lowlands during autumn. At a coarse scale (6.25 ha), white-tailed deer selected areas that had woody vegetation and avoided those that were dominated by grassy vegetation. In contrast, at a fine scale, groups of deer most often were observed foraging in the immediate vicinity of grassland vegetation, rather than in or by woody vegetation.10aFlint Hills10agrassland10aKonza Prairie10aOdocoileus virginianus10aseasonal activity10atopography10awoodland10awoody invasion1 aVolk, M.D.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/diurnal-activity-and-habitat-associations-white-tailed-deer-tallgrass-prairie-eastern-kansas01963nas a2200265 4500008004100000245005700041210005700098300001300155490000800168520120200176653001501378653001401393653002501407653002201432653001801454653002901472653001701501653001201518100001501530700001501545700001901560700001801579700001801597856008201615 2007 eng d00aEffects of prairie vole runways on tallgrass prairie0 aEffects of prairie vole runways on tallgrass prairie a100 -1060 v1103 aDisturbances by large mammals influence plant populations and ecosystem processes. In contrast, impacts on ecosystem processes at local scales by small herbivorous rodents are relatively unknown. To examine effects of the runways of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) on soil nitrogen, we collected soil cores from under runways, along the runway edges and at 0.25 and 2 m away from runways. Plant samples (both current and previous year's growth) were clipped from microsites at edges of runways and at 0.25 and 2 m away from runways. Concentrations of soil nitrate were highest along runway edges and lowest 2 m away, whereas those of ammonium were highest 0.25 m away from runways and lowest under runways and along runway edges. Biomass of plants from previous growth (litter) was higher along edges of runways than at 0.25 and 2 m from runway edges. In contrast to differences in soil nitrate and ammonium concentrations and in litter biomass among microsites, carbon: nitrogen (C:N) ratios of big bluestem and live plant biomass were similar among the three microsites. Our data suggest that prairie voles do affect nutrient dynamics and plant litter at a local scale in tallgrass prairie.10aC:N ratios10aHerbivory10aMicrotus ochrogaster10anitrogen dynamics10aplant biomass10aplant-animal interaction10aprairie vole10arunways1 aRoss, B.E.1 aReed, A.W.1 aRehmeier, R.L.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/effects-prairie-vole-runways-tallgrass-prairie01916nas a2200217 4500008004100000245008700041210006900128300001300197490000700210520117400217653001501391653001101406653004501417653002701462653002201489653002101511100001901532700001801551700001801569856011101587 2006 eng d00aAn automatic activity-monitoring system for small mammals under natural conditions0 aautomatic activitymonitoring system for small mammals under natu a628 -6340 v873 aSmall mammals spend a majority of their lives in shelter sites such as belowground burrows. Understanding temporal patterns of burrow use would provide valuable information about the influence of physiological and environmental factors on activity patterns. To examine patterns of burrow use, we developed a system that automatically monitors activity of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) at artificial burrows in tallgrass prairie. The automatic activity-monitoring system is composed of a passive integrated transponder (PIT)–tag transceiver that reads the identification tags of individuals and an infrared trail monitor that confirms movements in and out of artificial burrows. We PIT-tagged and monitored nightly activity of <90 deer mice on Konza Prairie Biological Station in northeastern Kansas from July 2003 to December 2004. The monitoring system allowed us to examine individual variation in activity relative to sex, parental attendance, and early exploration by young. We also discuss advantages and disadvantages of the system compared to other activity-monitoring techniques, so that researchers might develop similar systems for other study species.10adeer mouse10akansas10apassive integrated transponder (PIT) tag10aPeromyscus maniculatus10atallgrass prairie10atime of activity1 aRehmeier, R.L.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/automatic-activity-monitoring-system-small-mammals-under-natural-conditions00488nas a2200133 4500008004100000245007500041210006900116300001300185490000800198100001500206700001800221700001800239856009700257 2006 eng d00aEffect of litter accumulation on seed predation in three prairie types0 aEffect of litter accumulation on seed predation in three prairie a278 -2850 v1551 aReed, A.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/effect-litter-accumulation-seed-predation-three-prairie-types01493nas a2200229 4500008004100000245014700041210006900188300001300257490000700270520067200277653001100949653002100960653001500981653002500996653002701021653001801048653002101066100001501087700001801102700001801120856012501138 2006 eng d00aSpecies richness- productivity relationship for small mammals along a desert-grassland continuum: differential responses of functional groups0 aSpecies richness productivity relationship for small mammals alo a777 -7830 v873 aWe used published data to calculate small-mammal species richness at 43 sites in North America to examine the response of species richness to increasing primary productivity. We estimated species richness for the entire community and for each of 4 functional groups (insectivore, granivore, herbivore, and omnivore). Total richness exhibited a significant unimodal relationship to increasing amounts of annual precipitation and was driven by granivores; this functional group exhibited the most pronounced decline in richness with high precipitation. We suggest that the decline in granivore richness is due to increased litter associated with increased productivity.10adesert10afunctional group10aGrasslands10aPrimary productivity10aResource heterogeneity10asmall mammals10aSpecies richness1 aReed, A.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/species-richness-productivity-relationship-small-mammals-along-desert-grassland-continuum00544nas a2200157 4500008004100000245006900041210006900110300001300179490000800192100001800200700001900218700001900237700001800256700001800274856009400292 2006 eng d00aUnusual disturbance of small mammal live traps by American crows0 aUnusual disturbance of small mammal live traps by American crows a242 -2440 v1091 aMatlack, R.S.1 aRehmeier, R.L.1 aMcMillan, B.R.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/unusual-disturbance-small-mammal-live-traps-american-crows01504nas a2200205 4500008004100000245006100041210006100102300001100163490000700174520094800181653001201129653001501141653001101156653002201167653001501189100001801204700001701222700001801239856004101257 2005 eng d00aDistribution of carnivore burrows in a prairie landscape0 aDistribution of carnivore burrows in a prairie landscape a15 -290 v153 aMammals impact prairie ecosystems through burrowing activities. Burrows used by carnivores were studied in four habitat types at the Konza Prairie Biological Station, a native tallgrass prairie near Manhattan, KS. We surveyed nearly 40 km of 10-m-wide transects and counted burrows in upland, slope, and lowland prairie and along ravines. Burrows were placed selectively along slopes (7.3 per km) and to a lesser extent along edges of ravines (4.2), but only infrequently in upland (0.6) and never in lowlands (0.0). We also recorded features (e.g., location, aspect, and slope steepness) along slope transects at a 30 m intervals to estimate availability of these features. Points of hills (18.7 burrows per km) were used more than sides of hills (2.0) or upper ends of ravines (1.5). Burrows on points were placed selectively on steep rather than shallow slopes and on south- and west-facing slopes rather than north- and east-facing slopes.10aburrows10acarnivores10akansas10atallgrass prairie10atopography1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKocher, S.D.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://www.jstor.org/stable/2377983600501nas a2200133 4500008004100000245007900041210006900120300001100189490000700200100001900207700001800226700001800244856010500262 2005 eng d00aFactors influencing persistence of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus)0 aFactors influencing persistence of whitefooted mice Peromyscus l a29 -400 v371 aMcMillan, B.R.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/factors-influencing-persistence-white-footed-mice-peromyscus-leucopus02136nas a2200253 4500008004100000245008600041210006900127300001300196490000700209520134200216653000901558653002201567653001101589653002201600653002201622653002201644653002301666653001501689100001901704700001801723700001801741700001901759856010401778 2005 eng d00aLong-term study of abundance of the hispid cotton rat in native tallgrass prairie0 aLongterm study of abundance of the hispid cotton rat in native t a670 -6760 v863 aWe studied patterns of and factors influencing abundance of hispid cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) in tallgrass prairie habitats from autumn 1981 to spring 2001 at the Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas. Abundance of cotton rats was low during autumn (X̄ = 0.57 individuals/trapline) and extremely low in spring (X̄ = 0.04 individuals/trapline). Autumn abundance varied widely in 20 years (range: 0.00–2.50 individuals/trapline) and among 14 sites (0.05–1.35 individuals/trapline). Spring prairie fires had a positive influence on cotton rats during the 1st (X̄ = 0.8 individuals/trapline) and 2nd autumns (X̄ = 1.0 individuals/trapline), but not during the 3rd or later autumns (X̄ = 0.2 individuals/trapline). Cotton rats were associated strongly with lowland prairie relative to breaks and upland prairie. Autumn abundance was correlated positively with previous winter (December–February) average maximum temperature, but was not correlated with previous winter precipitation, summer (June–August) average maximum temperature, summer precipitation, or aboveground net primary productivity. Although previous winter maximum temperature accounted for only 32% of interautumn variation in abundance, winter harshness appears to be the major factor driving temporal variation in autumn abundance of hispid cotton rats.10afire10ahispid cotton rat10akansas10aSigmodon hispidus10aspatial variation10atallgrass prairie10atemporal variation10atopography1 aRehmeier, R.L.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aMcMillan, B.R. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/long-term-study-abundance-hispid-cotton-rat-native-tallgrass-prairie01722nas a2200145 4500008004100000245007000041210006800111300001500179490000700194520122800201100001501429700001801444700001801462856009601480 2005 eng d00aRodent seed predation and GUDs: effect of burning and topography0 aRodent seed predation and GUDs effect of burning and topography a1279 -12850 v833 aWe examined the relationships between seed predation and the habitat into which a seed falls, abundance of rodents within that habitat, and foraging pattern of rodents within that habitat. Using seed plots, we assessed seed predation in burned and unburned tallgrass prairies at biweekly intervals between May and September in 2001 and 2002. Significantly more seed was removed from plots in burned than unburned prairies. Rodent abundance did not differ between burned prairie and unburned prairie, although the abundance of omnivorous–granivorous rodents (herbivores excluded) was greater in burned than unburned prairie. Proportion of seed removed in burned and unburned prairies was independent of both total rodent abundance and abundance of omnivorous–granivorous rodents. We also measured giving-up density (GUD) of rodents in burned and unburned prairies during the spring and summer of 2002. GUDs did not differ significantly in burned and unburned prairies. However, rodents had a higher GUD in uplands than in limestone breaks or lowland habitats. Our results suggest that rodent foraging in tallgrass prairie is affected by microhabitat and that rodent abundance is not sufficient to predict seed predation.1 aReed, A.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/rodent-seed-predation-and-guds-effect-burning-and-topography01683nas a2200193 4500008004100000245005800041210005800099300001100157490000800168520110300176653001701279653002401296653001101320653001801331653002301349100001701372700001801389856008201407 2004 eng d00aEastern moles on the Konza Prairie Biological Station0 aEastern moles on the Konza Prairie Biological Station a93 -960 v1073 aWe examined the local distribution of the eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus) along the Kings Creek drainage on the Konza Prairie Biological Station (located south of Manhattan, Kansas). Our 46-ha study site included primarily intermixed riparian woodland and native and planted grassland. Within this site, we surveyed burrow ridges and soil mounds of eastern moles in 116 circular sampling plots. Each sampling plot had a 10-m radius; total surface area of plots was 3.6 ha. Plots were placed at 40-m intervals along 13 transects, which paralleled each other and were 100 m apart. Eastern moles were associated with wooded vegetation (i.e. plots under tree canopy). Eastern moles also were associated positively with bare soil (plots with >2 m2 as contrasted to those with <2 m2 of bare soil). This positive association with plots that had >2 m2 of bare soil held even for the 74 local sites that were under tree canopy along Kings Creek. The association with wooded areas along Kings Creek was consistent with past studies that found eastern moles selectively choose relatively loose, moist soils.10aeastern mole10ahabitat association10akansas10aKonza Prairie10aScalopus aquaticus1 aO'Neal, P.R.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/eastern-moles-konza-prairie-biological-station01893nas a2200145 4500008004100000245009700041210006900138300001500207490000700222520135000229100001501579700001801594700001801612856011701630 2004 eng d00aInfluence of fire, topography, and consumer abundance on seed predation in tallgrass prairie0 aInfluence of fire topography and consumer abundance on seed pred a1459 -14670 v823 aWe assessed seed predation by vertebrates and invertebrates in three fire-frequency treatments (<1 year, 1–4 years, and >4 years since fire) and in three topographic positions (upland, limestone breaks, and lowland) in tallgrass prairie. Two types of seed trays, one for vertebrates and one for invertebrates, were placed in each treatment during each nocturnal and diurnal period. Vertebrates removed significantly more seeds than did invertebrates. Fire frequency and topographic position affected seed removal by both vertebrates and invertebrates. Seed removal by invertebrates was influenced negatively by fire; the greatest seed removal occurred in uplands and lowlands in unburned prairie. Vertebrates removed the most seeds in burned prairie and in lowlands and limestone breaks. Time of day also influenced seed removal by vertebrates, as nocturnal vertebrates (assumed to be rodents) removed more seeds than diurnal vertebrates. Abundance of rodents, however, did not predict accurately seed removal in fire treatments or topographic positions, as rodents removed fewer seeds than expected in prairie that had not been burned in >4 years and in lowlands. This pattern likely was due to the presence of a well-developed plant litter layer in both unburned and lowland habitats, which reduces the likelihood of a rodent locating seeds.1 aReed, A.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/influence-fire-topography-and-consumer-abundance-seed-predation-tallgrass-prairie02161nas a2200217 4500008004100000245006400041210006400105300001100169490000700180520151900187653000901706653002201715653001801737653001101755653002201766100001501788700001801803700001801821700001801839856008601857 2004 eng d00aInfluence of prey abundance on raptors in tallgrass prairie0 aInfluence of prey abundance on raptors in tallgrass prairie a23 -320 v363 a

We examined relationships between winter abundance of diurnal raptors (red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis; rough-legged hawk, B. lagopus; ferruginous hawk, B. regalis; and northern harrier, Circus cyaneus) and both the abundance of microtine rodents (prairie vole, Microtus ochrogaster; and southern bog lemming, Synaptomys cooperi) and aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) in tallgrass prairie. We used Christmas Bird Count data for each year during 1975 through 1999 from Manhattan, Kansas to index winter raptor abundance (number of hawks per party hour). Microtine rodent abundance (average number of microtine rodents per trapline in burned and unburned prairie) was estimated by using long-term data gathered from autumn and spring surveys along 14 permanent traplines from autumn 1981 to spring 2000 in tallgrass prairie on the Konza Prairie Biological Station. An estimate of ANPP for each year during 1975 through 1999 was provided by the Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research Program. Winter raptor abundance was related positively to ANPP during the preceding growing season (P = 0.01) and to microtine abundance in the previous spring (P = 0.03). Based on a stepwise regression, 39% of the annual variation in winter raptor counts was explained by ANPP and the log of spring microtine abundance. Overall, our analyses suggested that winter raptor abundance was higher in years with higher than lower prey availability, but that other factors also influenced winter raptor abundance.

10aANPP10amicrotine rodents10apredator-prey10araptor10atallgrass prairie1 aReed, A.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aRintoul, D.A.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/influence-prey-abundance-raptors-tallgrass-prairie01847nas a2200241 4500008004100000245006700041210006600108300001300174490000700187520115300194653000901347653001101356653001301367653002701380653002301407653002301430653001101453653002201464100001901486700001801505700001801523856006401541 2004 eng d00aLong-distance movements of the deer mouse in tallgrass prairie0 aLongdistance movements of the deer mouse in tallgrass prairie a562 -5680 v853 aLong-distance movements may play an important role in regulating populations of small mammals. To examine such movements, we livetrapped 1,712 deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) on 14–28 permanent traplines from autumn 1981 to spring 1990 on the Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas. These data were collected under a variety of climatic and biotic conditions that resulted in detection of > 100 long-distance movements by deer mice between traplines (moves of 50–1,320 m). Males made more moves than females, but distance moved did not differ by sex. Age did not affect the number or distance of movements. On average, more long-distance moves occurred in spring and summer than in autumn, but distance did not differ by season. Proportion of the population making intertrapline movements was inversely related to abundance of deer mice. Deer mice did not exhibit a fire-positive response in long-distance movement. Our results indicate that deer mice may be more mobile than originally thought. Researchers should incorporate improved methods for detecting longer movements to better understand causes and consequences of these movements.10afire10akansas10aMovement10aPeromyscus maniculatus10aprairie deer mouse10arelative abundance10aseason10atallgrass prairie1 aRehmeier, R.L.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://jmammal.oxfordjournals.org/content/85/3/562.abstract00589nas a2200181 4500008004100000245010300041210006900144300001300213490000700226653002000233653001800253653001800271653002200289100001900311700001800330700001800348856004100366 2002 eng d00aDistribution of eastern woodrats in a grassland-woodland mosaic: influence of vegetation and fire0 aDistribution of eastern woodrats in a grasslandwoodland mosaic i a157 -1660 v1210aeastern woodrat10aKonza Prairie10aprairie fires10atallgrass prairie1 aBeckmann, J.P.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://www.jstor.org/stable/2378001301741nas a2200229 4500008004100000245010900041210006900150300001300219490000700232520093900239653002001178653002201198653003201220653001101252653002001263653002401283653002201307100001801329700001801347700001801365856012801383 2002 eng d00aLong-term variation in abundance of Elliot's short-tailed shrew (Blarina hylophaga) in tallgrass prairie0 aLongterm variation in abundance of Elliots shorttailed shrew Bla a280 -2890 v833 aElliot's short-tailed shrews (Blarina hylophaga) were studied in tallgrass prairie at Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas. Based on sampling of 14 permanent traplines from autumn 1981 to spring 1999, relative abundance was high in autumn (X̄ = 2.5 ± 0.4 SE shrews/trapline) but very low in spring (<0.1 shrews/trapline). Interannual variability in abundance in autumn was large with a range 0.1–7.0 shrews/trapline. Relative abundance of shrews in autumn was correlated positively with precipitation, soil moisture, and depth of plant litter and correlated negatively with proportion of area burned and maximum temperature. Two variables, precipitation, and amount of litter, accounted for 87% of variation in abundance of shrews in autumn. Ambient moisture and a well-developed litter layer that ameliorates microclimatic extremes appear to be the most important factors influencing abundance of shrews in tallgrass prairie.10aabiotic factors10aBlarina hylophaga10aElliot's short-tailed shrew10akansas10along-term study10apopulation dynamics10atallgrass prairie1 aMatlack, R.S.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/long-term-variation-abundance-elliots-short-tailed-shrew-blarina-hylophaga-tallgrass-prairie00460nas a2200133 4500008004100000245006400041210006300105300001300168490000700181100001800188700001800206700001900224856008300243 2001 eng d00aFirst record of the cinereus shrew for Riley County, Kansas0 aFirst record of the cinereus shrew for Riley County Kansas a107 -1080 v331 aMatlack, R.S.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aCharlton, R.E. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/first-record-cinereus-shrew-riley-county-kansas01951nas a2200145 4500008004100000245008600041210006900127300001300196490000800209520142900217100001801646700001801664700001801682856010501700 2001 eng d00aInfluence of grazing by bison and cattle on deer mice in burned tallgrass prairie0 aInfluence of grazing by bison and cattle on deer mice in burned  a361 -3680 v1463 aWe studied the influence of grazing by bison (Bos bison) and by cattle (B. taurus) on deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in tallgrass prairie at the Konza Prairie Biological Station in 1997 and 1998. Small mammals were sampled by one 10-station trapline in each of four bison-grazed enclosures, four cattle-grazed enclosures and four ungrazed sites. Enclosures were 4.9 ha and the biomass of grazers in each was similar. All sites were burned annually. We sampled small mammals for 4 consecutive nights in spring before fire, in spring after fire and in autumn. Deer mice were the most abundant species (n = 285; 83% of all small mammals) captured in all treatments and in each trapping period. Deer mice were significantly more abundant in bison-grazed and cattle-grazed sites than in ungrazed sites in spring before fire (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively), but were similar in abundance in grazed and ungrazed sites following fire. Abundance of deer mice was significantly higher in bison-grazed sites than in cattle-grazed and ungrazed sites in autumn (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Bison and cattle differ in grazing and nongrazing behaviors (e.g., wallowing by bison) that result in differences in vegetation structure. It is likely that differences in deer mouse abundance between bison-grazed and cattle-grazed treatments were due to differences in vegetation structure caused by the two types of grazers.1 aMatlack, R.S.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/influence-grazing-bison-and-cattle-deer-mice-burned-tallgrass-prairie01518nas a2200229 4500008004100000245007100041210006900112300001300181490000700194520082400201653000901025653003501034653001801069653001201087653002201099653001701121100001501138700001801153700001601171700001801187856008301205 2001 eng d00aSeed use by vertebrates and invertebrates in the tallgrass prairie0 aSeed use by vertebrates and invertebrates in the tallgrass prair a153 -1610 v333 aUse of seeds by vertebrates and invertebrates was assessed during July through August 1994 in tallgrass prairie in eastern Kansas. Two seed trays were placed at each of 40 stations with one tray available only to vertebrates and one tray available only to invertebrates during day or night. Two seed types, proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne), were used because of their different sizes :llld shapes. The greatest amount of seed removed was by diurnal vertebrates followed nocturnal vertebrates and then invertebrates. The large seed type (proso millet) was preferred by both diurnal and nocturnal vertebrates. whereas invertebrates showed no prefrence for seed size. The impact of vertebrates on seeds appeared to be greater than the impact of invertebrates in tallgrass prairie in summer. 10aants10adiurnal and nocturnal seed use10ainvertebrates10arodents10atallgrass prairie10avertebrates.1 aReed, A.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aBoyer, J.E.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttps://www.sdstate.edu/nrm/organizations/gpnss/tpn/upload/33-3_Reed_et_al.pdf00652nas a2200157 4500008004100000245011600041210006900157260004100226300001100267653002200278100001800300700001800318700001800336700001700354856012300371 2000 eng d00aFaunal structure of small mammals in tallgrass prairie: an evaluation of richness and spatiotemporal nestedness0 aFaunal structure of small mammals in tallgrass prairie an evalua aHays, KSbFort Hays State University a47 -7010atallgrass prairie1 aKaufman, D.M.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aChoate, J.R. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/faunal-structure-small-mammals-tallgrass-prairie-evaluation-richness-and-spatiotemporal00572nas a2200133 4500008004100000245010200041210006900143260004100212300001300253100001800266700001800284700001700302856011900319 2000 eng d00aTemporal and spatial variability in a small mammal community: an example from mixed-grass prairie0 aTemporal and spatial variability in a small mammal community an  aHays, KSbFort Hays State University a147 -1631 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aChoate, J.R. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/temporal-and-spatial-variability-small-mammal-community-example-mixed-grass-prairie02109nas a2200157 4500008004100000245011600041210006900157300001300226490000800239520150900247653002201756100001901778700001701797700001801814856011901832 2000 eng d00aWallowing behavior of American bison (Bos bison) in tallgrass prairie: an examination of alternate explanations0 aWallowing behavior of American bison Bos bison in tallgrass prai a159 -1670 v1443 aWallowing is a common behavior of American bison (Bos bison). Past explanations and current hypotheses suggested for wallowing behavior include grooming behavior associated with shedding, male-male interaction (typically rutting behavior), social behavior for group cohesion, play behavior, relief from skin irritation due to biting insects, reduction of ectoparasite (tick and lice) load and thermoregulation. We monitored circannual and circadian patterns of wallowing frequency by American bison during 1996–1997 in the tallgrass prairie region of eastern Kansas. Wallowing activity increased from April to late June or July (during 1996 and 1997, respectively), decreased during midsummer, peaked again in September, decreased from September to October and then remained low from November to March. Diurnally, wallowing was low in early morning, increased to a peak in early afternoon and then decreased during mid afternoon and evening. Within the herd adult males wallowed more frequently than adult females and both adult males and females wallowed more frequently than yearlings. We observed behaviors that were consistent with all of the hypotheses previously suggested to explain wallowing behavior by bison. Based on our observations we suggest that the alternate explanations for wallowing behavior are not mutually exclusive. However, only the relief from biting insects hypotheses was consistent with both the circannual and circadian patterns of frequency of wallowing by American bison.10atallgrass prairie1 aMcMillan, B.R.1 aCottam, M.R.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/wallowing-behavior-american-bison-bos-bison-tallgrass-prairie-examination-alternate02733nas a2200361 4500008004100000245007500041210006900116260005100185300001300236520157300249653002501822653002001847653002001867653000901887653002401896653001601920653004001936653001601976653002501992653001702017653002202034653002502056653002902081653002502110653002302135653001502158653002002173100001902193700001802212700001802230700001902248856010402267 1999 eng d00aRare species of small mammals in northeastern Kansas tallgrass prairie0 aRare species of small mammals in northeastern Kansas tallgrass p aKearney, NEbUniversity of Nebraska at Kearney a120 -1263 aWe sampled small mammals in native tallgrass prairie habitat from autumn 1981 to spring 1998 on Konza Prairie Research Natural Area, Kansas. In 130,560 trap-nights, we captured 14 species of small mammals. In decreasing order of abundance, the relatively common species were the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), western harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis), Elliot's short-tailed shrew (Blarina hylophaga), white-footed mouse (P. leucopus), prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), thirteen-lined ground squirrel (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus), and hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus). Likewise, rare species were the southern bog lemming (Synaptomys cooperi), hispid pocket mouse (Chaetodipus hispidus), eastern woodrat (Neotoma floridana), house mouse (Mus musculus), plains harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys montanus), least shrew (Cryptotis parva), and meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius). Relative abundances of the rare species ranged from 0.002 (individuals/trapline/sampling period) for the meadow jumping mouse to 0.112 for the southern bog lemming. All rare species combined comprised approximately 2% of the small mammal community in grasslands on Konza Prairie. Southern bog lemmings selectively used sites that were left unburned for 2-3 years in contrast to those burned annually and those unburned for s 4 years. Time since fire had no detectable effect on numbers of individuals for the other 6 rare species. In addition, southern bog lemmings, eastern woodrats, and hispid pocket mice were distributed nonrandomly with respect to topography. 10aChaetodipus hispidus10aCryptotis parva10aeastern woodrat10afire10ahispid pocket mouse10ahouse mouse10aKonza Prairie Research Natural Area10aleast shrew10ameadow jumping mouse10aMus musculus10aNeotoma floridana10aplains harvest mouse10aReithrodontomys montanus10asouthern bog lemming10aSynaptomys cooperi10atopography10aZapus hudsonius1 aMcMillan, B.R.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aSpringer, J.T. uhttp://images.library.wisc.edu/EcoNatRes/EFacs/NAPC/NAPC16/reference/econatres.napc16.bmcmillan.pdf00648nas a2200217 4500008004100000245003900041210003900080260003800119300001300157653002200170100001800192700001800210700001400228700002000242700001600262700002000278700001900298700001900317700002400336856007000360 1998 eng d00aAnimal populations and communities0 aAnimal populations and communities aNew YorkbOxford University Press a113 -13910atallgrass prairie1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aFay, P.A.1 aZimmerman, J.L.1 aEvans, E.W.1 aKnapp, Alan, K.1 aBriggs, J., M.1 aHartnett, D.C.1 aCollins, Scott., L. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/animal-populations-and-communities00620nas a2200205 4500008004100000245004000041210004000081260003800121300001300159653002200172100001800194700001400212700001800226700002000244700002000264700001900284700001900303700002400322856006800346 1998 eng d00aDiversity of terrestrial macrofauna0 aDiversity of terrestrial macrofauna aNew YorkbOxford University Press a101 -11210atallgrass prairie1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aFay, P.A.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aZimmerman, J.L.1 aKnapp, Alan, K.1 aBriggs, J., M.1 aHartnett, D.C.1 aCollins, Scott., L. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/diversity-terrestrial-macrofauna00422nas a2200133 4500008004100000245005300041210004900094300001300143490000700156100001900163700001800182700001800200856007000218 1997 eng d00aA case of senescence for the white-footed mouse?0 acase of senescence for the whitefooted mouse a236 -2370 v421 aMcMillan, B.R.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/case-senescence-white-footed-mouse01444nas a2200157 4500008004100000245005100041210005100092260003000143300001300173520095500186100001801141700001801159700001601177700001701193856007601210 1997 eng d00aEcology of small mammals in prairie landscapes0 aEcology of small mammals in prairie landscapes aNew YorkbSpringer-Verlag a207 -2433 aWhen one crosses the prairie landscapes of central North America, one becomes aware of the impacts that humans have had on the region. Recent anthropogenic modifications of the presettlement prairie not only have changed vegetation but also altered distributional ranges, spatial use within ranges, and total numbers of many species of animals. Although human activities often reduce ranges and abundances of animals and these reductions usually are the foci of issues of conservation, human impacts do not always lead to such reductions. Anthropogenic changes can and do lead to increases in numbers, distributional ranges, or both for some species. Some of these increases result from altered landscapes that provide conditions more suitable for some species than the conditions available in native environments. Other increases are due to intentional introductions of both domestic and wild species and to accidental introductions of wild species.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKnopf, F.L.1 aSamson, F.B. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/ecology-small-mammals-prairie-landscapes01115nas a2200361 4500008004100000245011000041210006900151260002800220300001300248100001600261700001900277700001500296700001700311700001700328700001800345700001600363700001700379700002000396700002100416700001700437700001600454700002000470700001500490700001500505700001700520700001800537700001400555700001600569700001800585700001700603700001400620856011900634 1995 eng d00aComparison of spatial and temporal variability of ecological parameters from 12 North American ecosystems0 aComparison of spatial and temporal variability of ecological par aBerlinbSpringer-Verlag a359 -3831 aKratz, T.K.1 aMagnuson, J.J.1 aBayley, P.1 aBenson, B.J.1 aBerish, C.W.1 aBledsoe, C.S.1 aBlood, E.R.1 aBowser, C.J.1 aCarpenter, S.R.1 aCunningham, G.L.1 aDahlgren, R.1 aFrost, T.M.1 aHalfpenny, J.C.1 aHansen, J.1 aHeisey, D.1 aInouye, R.S.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aMcKee, A.1 aYarie, J.A.1 aRapport, D.J.1 aGaudet, C.L.1 aCalow, P. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/comparison-spatial-and-temporal-variability-ecological-parameters-12-north-american00575nas a2200145 4500008004100000245011300041210006900154300001200223100001800235700001800253700002000271700001600291700001900307856010300326 1995 eng d00aEffect of topography on the distribution of small mammals on the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area, Kansas0 aEffect of topography on the distribution of small mammals on the a97 -1021 aKaufman, G.K.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aBrillhart, D.E.1 aFinck, E.J.1 aHartnett, D.C. uhttp://images.library.wisc.edu/EcoNatRes/EFacs/NAPC/NAPC14/reference/econatres.napc14.gkaufman.pdf01610nas a2200133 4500008004100000245011200041210006900153300001100222490000700233520107900240100001701319700001801336856012201354 1995 eng d00aLocal distribution of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) on Konza Prairie: effect of topographic position0 aLocal distribution of prairie voles Microtus ochrogaster on Konz a61 -670 v983 aPrairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) were studied in ungrazed tallgrass prairie on the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area near Manhattan, Kansas in 1984-1987. Prairie voles on our topographically diverse site demonstrated a nonrandom association with topography as upland prairie was preferred over lowland and slope prairie. Preference for upland was highly consistent among male and female residents and nonresidents, however, absolute strengths of the preference for upland did differ among years and among sex-residency classes. For example, female residents were associated more strongly with upland prairie than were male residents, whereas male residents were more likely to be captured in lowland prairie than were female residents. Patterns of use of the three topographic positions also were more variable between years and between males and females for nonresidents than residents. The latter difference was consistent with nonresidents, in part, being dispersing voles that were moving through less than optimal habitat in their search for permanent home sites.1 aBixler, S.H.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/local-distribution-prairie-voles-microtus-ochrogaster-konza-prairie-effect-topographic00608nas a2200157 4500008004100000245009800041210006900139300001100208653002200219100001600241700001800257700001800275700001600293700001900309856012200328 1995 eng d00aPopulation ecology of Elliot's short-tail shrew and least shrew in ungrazed tallgrass prairie0 aPopulation ecology of Elliots shorttail shrew and least shrew in a87 -9210atallgrass prairie1 aClark, B.K.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aGurtz, S.K.1 aHartnett, D.C. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/population-ecology-elliots-short-tail-shrew-and-least-shrew-ungrazed-tallgrass-prairie00451nas a2200133 4500008004100000245005300041210005300094300001300147653002200160100001800182700001700200700001900217856008100236 1995 eng d00aPrairie voles impact plants in tallgrass prairie0 aPrairie voles impact plants in tallgrass prairie a117 -12110atallgrass prairie1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aBixler, S.H.1 aHartnett, D.C. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/prairie-voles-impact-plants-tallgrass-prairie00515nas a2200133 4500008004100000245008700041210006900128300001100197490000700208653002200215100001700237700001800254856010900272 1995 eng d00aPrairie voles occur at low density in ungrazed tallgrass prairie in eastern Kansas0 aPrairie voles occur at low density in ungrazed tallgrass prairie a33 -400 v2710atallgrass prairie1 aBixler, S.H.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/prairie-voles-occur-low-density-ungrazed-tallgrass-prairie-eastern-kansas00563nas a2200157 4500008004100000245007800041210006900119300001300188490000700201653002200208100001900230700002000249700001800269700001800287856010000305 1995 eng d00aShort-term responses of small mammals to autumn fire in tallgrass prairie0 aShortterm responses of small mammals to autumn fire in tallgrass a158 -1660 v2710atallgrass prairie1 aMcMillan, B.R.1 aBrillhart, D.E.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/short-term-responses-small-mammals-autumn-fire-tallgrass-prairie00608nas a2200145 4500008004100000245011800041210006900159300001100228653002200239100002000261700001800281700001800299700001900317856012600336 1995 eng d00aSmall-mammal use of experimental patches of tallgrass prairie: influence of topographic position and fire history0 aSmallmammal use of experimental patches of tallgrass prairie inf a59 -6510atallgrass prairie1 aBrillhart, D.E.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aHartnett, D.C. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/small-mammal-use-experimental-patches-tallgrass-prairie-influence-topographic-position-and01624nas a2200145 4500008004100000245009600041210006900137300001000206490000800216520108700224100001801311700001801329700001601347856011501363 1995 eng d00aTemporal variation in abundance of Peromyscus leucopus in wooded habitats of eastern Kansas0 aTemporal variation in abundance of Peromyscus leucopus in wooded a7 -170 v1333 aWhite-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) were sampled during spring, summer and autumn on the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area, Kansas, from autumn 1981 to spring 1988. Abundance was greater in gallery forest than in wooded outcrop habitat, although temporal patterns of abundance were similar with highs in 1981-1982 and 1985-1986. Standard deviations (SD) of the common logarithm of abundance were ≤ 0.32 for each of four sites in spring, summer and autumn, except for one forest site in spring. Our SD values were similar to those reported for other populations of P. leucopus. Abundance of P. leucopus was related to its abundance in the previous season (spring abundance vs. that in previous autumn, summer abundance vs. that in previous spring and autumn abundance vs. that in previous summer), seed production by woody vegetation and precipitation, but the factors that had a major influence on abundance of P. leucopus varied among spring, summer and autumn populations. Ambient temperature was unrelated to abundance of P. leucopus during each of the 3 seasons studied.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aFinck, E.J. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/temporal-variation-abundance-peromyscus-leucopus-wooded-habitats-eastern-kansas01848nas a2200133 4500008004100000245008800041210006900129300001500198490000700213520134400220100001901564700001801583856011301601 1995 eng d00aTravel path characteristics for free-living white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus)0 aTravel path characteristics for freeliving whitefooted mice Pero a1474 -14780 v733 aCharacteristics of the travel paths of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) were examined by tracking animals marked with fluorescent pigment in a wooded site in northeastern Kansas. Based on 84 trails made by 49 individuals, it was concluded that tops of structural features (rocks, branches, logs, or rock fence) were selectively used for nighttime travel. Trails averaged 41.7% structural features (SE = 6.0%), whereas sample points 20 cm away from trails averaged 18.0% structural features (SE = 1.8%). This pattern of use of structural features did not differ between male and female mice. Nighttime illumination (according to the moon phase) and season did not affect the proportion of structural features used along travel paths; this suggests that risk from visual predators was not driving the pattern of use of structural features for travel paths by white-footed mice. Rather, white-footed mice may have used surface structure for travel because structural features provide paths that are more easily traveled and remembered. Trees were climbed infrequently (0.6 trees per 100 m of trail), but more in autumn (1.9 trees per 100 m of trail) than in other seasons (0.2 trees per 100 m of trail), which likely resulted from greater availability of seeds, nuts, and fruits during autumn than during other seasons.1 aMcMillan, B.R.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/travel-path-characteristics-free-living-white-footed-mice-peromyscus-leucopus01633nas a2200133 4500008004100000245005900041210005900100300001300159490000800172520119700180100002001377700001801397856008401415 1995 eng d00aUse of simulated herbaceous canopy by foraging rodents0 aUse of simulated herbaceous canopy by foraging rodents a304 -3110 v1333 aUse of seeds from simulated herbaceous canopy by western harvest mice (Reithrodontomys megalotis), deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) and white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) was examined in laboratory trials. Each mouse was tested on both simulated full-moon and new-moon nights but with only one of three abundances of surface seeds (high, low or zero abundances of seeds in trays on arena floor). White-footed mice are more total seeds (surface plus canopy seeds) during dark-bright than bright-dark trials and with high than low or zero abundances of surface seeds. However, neither the order of dark and bright conditions nor availability of surface seeds influenced total seeds eaten by deer mice and harvest mice. All three species readily foraged in the canopy in the absence of surface seeds (>90% of trials on both dark and bright nights). When surface seeds were abundant, interspecific differences in canopy foraging were evident as canopy foraging occurred during 54% of trials on both dark and bright nights for harvest mice, 58% and 21% of trials on dark and bright nights, respectively, for white-footed mice and 8% and 0% of trials on dark and bright nights for deer mice.1 aJekanoski, R.D.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/use-simulated-herbaceous-canopy-foraging-rodents01451nas a2200133 4500008004100000245009200041210006900133300001300202490000700215520094600222100001901168700001801187856011201205 1994 eng d00aEffect of sodium on seed choice by deer mice, white-footed mice, and hispid cotton rats0 aEffect of sodium on seed choice by deer mice whitefooted mice an a143 -1480 v973 aEffect of sodium content on seed use was tested for deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), white-footed mice (P. leucopus), and hispid cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) using sodium-enriched pearled barley seeds (Hordeum vulgare). Each trial included the choice of four types of barley seeds [1.6 (control), 4.8, 7.1, and 16.8 mg sodium/g seed]. Seed use by deer mice and white-footed mice differed with sodium concentration but was not affected by locality (eastern versus central Kansas) or gender. In contrast, seed use by cotton rats was not influenced by sodium content and, although seed use differed between males and females (females tested were larger than the males), relative use of seed types was not affected by gender. Average sodium concentration of seeds used did not differ with locality or gender for either deer mice or white-footed mice, or among deer mice (6.6 mg/g), white-footed mice (5.6 mg/g), and cotton rats (6.2 mg/g).1 aRustiati, E.L.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/effect-sodium-seed-choice-deer-mice-white-footed-mice-and-hispid-cotton-rats00602nas a2200145 4500008004100000245010000041210006900141300001300210490000700223100001800230700001800248700001900266700002000285856015100305 1994 eng d00aPrevalence of hantavirus antibodies in natural populations of deer mice in north central Kansas0 aPrevalence of hantavirus antibodies in natural populations of de a209 -2160 v261 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aMcMillan, B.R.1 aBrillhart, D.E. uhttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/258031384_Prevalence_of_Hantavirus_antibodies_in_natural_populations_of_deer_mice_in_north-central_Kansas00510nas a2200121 4500008004100000245010000041210006900141300001300210490000700223100001900230700001800249856012100267 1994 eng d00aSmall mammals in northeastern Kansas: differences in use of interspersed woodland and grassland0 aSmall mammals in northeastern Kansas differences in use of inter a107 -1160 v261 aMcMillan, B.R.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/small-mammals-northeastern-kansas-differences-use-interspersed-woodland-and-grassland00499nas a2200133 4500008004100000245007700041210006900118300001200187490000700199653002200206100002000228700001800248856009900266 1994 eng d00aTemporal variation in coyote prey in tallgrass prairie of eastern Kansas0 aTemporal variation in coyote prey in tallgrass prairie of easter a93 -1050 v2610atallgrass prairie1 aBrillhart, D.E.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/temporal-variation-coyote-prey-tallgrass-prairie-eastern-kansas00475nas a2200121 4500008004100000245008200041210006900123300001300192490000700205100001900212700001800231856010400249 1993 eng d00aEffect of prairie-fire ash on food choice by deer mice and hispid cotton rats0 aEffect of prairiefire ash on food choice by deer mice and hispid a305 -3080 v251 aRustiati, E.L.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/effect-prairie-fire-ash-food-choice-deer-mice-and-hispid-cotton-rats01602nas a2200133 4500008004100000245009400041210006900135300001300204490000700217520115000224100002001374700001801394856005601412 1993 eng d00aExperimental observations of the cutting and climbing of vegetation by hispid cotton rats0 aExperimental observations of the cutting and climbing of vegetat a249 -2540 v253 a

Behavior of cutting and climbing of herbaceous stems by hispid cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) was studied using experimental grass canopies under bright and dark laboratory conditions. When seeds were abundant in ground patches, none of 10 cotton rats climbed and fed in the canopy and only two of the 10 cut grass stalks. In the absence of ground seeds, however, all of nine additional rats either cut canopy stems (24 of 36 total trials; four trials per rat) or climbed into the vegetation for seeds (6 of 36). All climbing and eating in the canopy was done by two small (40-42 g) cotton rats. For rats that did not climb, total cut stems were greater when rats (n=3) were tested for two dark nights and then two bright nights ( hivin x=49.5 stems cut during the four nights) than when rats (n=4) were tested for two bright and then two dark trials ( hivin x=27.7, P lt 0.05). Bright illumination negatively affected stem cutting on nights 1-2 (dark: hivin x=20.0 stems cut during nights 1-2, bright: hivin x=5.3, 0.09 gt P gt 0.08), but not nights 3-4 (bright: hivin x=29.5 stems cut during nights 3-4, dark: hivin x=22.3, P gt 0.10).

1 aJekanoski, R.D.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://eurekamag.com/research/008/653/008653070.php00510nas a2200133 4500008004100000245008800041210006900129300001100198490000700209100001800216700001800234700001600252856010800268 1993 eng d00aSmall mammals of wooded habitats of the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area, Kansas0 aSmall mammals of wooded habitats of the Konza Prairie Research N a27 -320 v251 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aFinck, E.J. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/small-mammals-wooded-habitats-konza-prairie-research-natural-area-kansas00497nas a2200121 4500008004100000245009600041210006900137300001300206490000700219100001800226700001800244856011300262 1992 eng d00aGeographic variation in length of tail of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) in Kansas0 aGeographic variation in length of tail of whitefooted mice Perom a789 -7930 v731 aKaufman, D.M.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/geographic-variation-length-tail-white-footed-mice-peromyscus-leucopus-kansas01972nas a2200205 4500008004100000245010800041210006900149260003200218300001100250520124000261653002201501100001601523700001801539700001801557700001601575700001701591700001601608700001701624856012501641 1992 eng d00aPopulation ecology of thirteen-lined ground squirrels in ungrazed tallgrass prairie manipulated by fire0 aPopulation ecology of thirteenlined ground squirrels in ungrazed aUniversity of Northern Iowa a51 -543 a

From March 1983 to October 1987, thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus Mitchill) were studied in ungrazed tallgrass prairie manipulated by fire on the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area, Kansas. Overall abundance varied among years (2.6 animals/ha in 1985; 5.6 animals/ha in 1986); however, no significant variation in sex ratio was observed (overall average=52% males for adults, 48% males for juveniles). Fire had a positive effect on ground squirrels; abundance was significantly higher in burned than unburned prairie during the year of a fire and in more recently than less recently burned prairie during years following a fire. Ground squirrels also selected hillsides with exposed rocks (breaks) over upland and lowland prairie sites. Although females and males selected similar habitats, home ranges were significantly larger for adult males (average=0.56 ha) than for adult females (0.36 ha). Both adult females and males caught on the study area typically were residents rather than transients. Further, overwinter survival did not differ between adult females and males. Overwinter survival of juvenile females was similar to adults; however, no juvenile males overwintered on the study area

10atallgrass prairie1 aClark, B.K.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aGurtz, S.K.1 aBixler, S.H.1 aSmith, D.A.1 aJacobs, C.A. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/population-ecology-thirteen-lined-ground-squirrels-ungrazed-tallgrass-prairie-manipulated00468nas a2200121 4500008004100000245008000041210006900121300001300190490000700203100001600210700001800226856010200244 1991 eng d00aEffects of plant litter on foraging and nesting behavior of prairie rodents0 aEffects of plant litter on foraging and nesting behavior of prai a502 -5120 v721 aClark, B.K.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/effects-plant-litter-foraging-and-nesting-behavior-prairie-rodents00456nas a2200121 4500008004100000245004200041210004200083260009100125653000900216100001800225700001800243856007300261 1991 eng d00aGrassland mammal communities and fire0 aGrassland mammal communities and fire aDenver, CObRegion 6, Mountain-Prairie Region, United States Fish and Wildlife Service10afire1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/grassland-mammal-communities-and-fire00528nas a2200121 4500008004100000245011900041210006900160300001300229490000700242100002000249700001800269856011900287 1991 eng d00aInfluence of illumination and surface structure on space use by prairie deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii)0 aInfluence of illumination and surface structure on space use by  a764 -7680 v721 aBrillhart, D.B.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/influence-illumination-and-surface-structure-space-use-prairie-deer-mice-peromyscus02198nas a2200241 4500008004100000245010800041210006900149300001100218490000700229520139600236653002201632100002001654700001901674700001701693700001901710700002001729700001601749700001801765700001701783700001901800700001601819856012101835 1990 eng d00aField bioassessment for selecting test systems to evaluate military training lands in tallgrass prairie0 aField bioassessment for selecting test systems to evaluate milit a81 -930 v143 a

Ecosystems responses to physical or chemical stress may vary from changes in single organisms to alteration of the structure and function of the ecosystem. These responses to stress cannot be predicted exactly. Ecosystems repeatedly exposed to physical and/or chemical stress can be used to study the separate and combined environmental effects of stress. Such studies also allow the development of procedures to select test systems for the analysis of stress in ecosystems. A preliminary field survey of six military training sites at Fort Riley, Kansas, USA, was conducted to identify and verify ecological test systems for evaluating ecosystem responses to physical and/or chemical stress. Comparisons of these data with data collected concurrently from Konza Prairie Research Natural Area reference sites showed that soil microarthropods, some species of macroarthropods, small mammals, and native earthworm species were negatively affected by stress. In contrast, plant species diversity, plant foliage biomass, soil mycorrhizae, and many soil characteristics were within the boundaries of nominal variations observed on "pristine" Konza Prairie. Introduced European earthworms appeared to be positively affected by training activities. This study provided a test of systematic procedures to support impact analysis, ecological toxicology, and ecosystem risk assessment

10atallgrass prairie1 aSchaeffer, D.J.1 aSeastedt, T.R.1 aGibson, D.J.1 aHartnett, D.C.1 aHetrick, B.A.D.1 aJames, S.W.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aSchwab, A.P.1 aHerricks, E.E.1 aNovak, E.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/field-bioassessment-selecting-test-systems-evaluate-military-training-lands-tallgrass01530nas a2200145 4500008004100000245007400041210006900115300001300184490000700197520102500204653002201229100001801251700001801269856009701287 1990 eng d00aHouse mice (Mus musculus) in natural and disturbed habitats in Kansas0 aHouse mice Mus musculus in natural and disturbed habitats in Kan a428 -4320 v713 a

The relative density of house mice (Mus musculus was less than 0.05 individuals/trapline (20 stations with 15 m between stations) in mixed-grass prairie, planted grasslands, woodlands, and crop fields in north-central Kansas and in tallgrass prairie and woodlands in eastern Kansas. The only exception was in crop-field fencerows in north-central Kansas (0.29 individuals/trapline). Percent abundance of Mus in the rodent assemblage also was low (less than 0.5% of all rodents) in grasslands, woodlands, mowed hayfields, and roadside ditches, but not in crop fields (2.6% for a mixture of types of crop fields) or crop-field fencerows (4.1%). Percent abundance varied significantly (P less than 0.05) among different types of crop fields with the highest values in alfalfa fields and lowest values in wheat fields. Our observations suggest that Mus is seldom, if ever, common in grasslands and woodlands, and only infrequently common in crop fields such as sorghum fields with bales containing grain during winter

10atallgrass prairie1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/house-mice-mus-musculus-natural-and-disturbed-habitats-kansas01581nas a2200145 4500008004100000245010800041210006900149300001300218490000800231520101800239653002201257100001801279700001801297856012001315 1990 eng d00aInfluence of plant litter on patch use by foraging Peromyscus maniculatus and Reithrodontomys megalotis0 aInfluence of plant litter on patch use by foraging Peromyscus ma a195 -1980 v1243 a

The effect of plant litter on foraging patch choice by prairie deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii) and western harvest mice (Reithrodontomys megalotis) was examined in laboratory trials. In each trial, equal amounts of millet seeds were simultaneously offered overnight in three patches with different amounts of litter. Both deer mice and harvest mice removed significantly more seeds from the patch with the least litter as compared to the other two patches. The mean proportion of seeds taken from the patch with the the least litter by harvest mice (56.9%) was significantly smaller than that taken by deer mice (84.5%), as expected from patterns of habitat selection in tallgrass prairie. During the 2nd night, seeds were offered only under one depth of litter (15-420 g per patch for deer mice and 30-420 g for harvest mice). The amount of seeds taken was not influenced by increased litter depth for either species, although foraging success was expected to decrease as litter depth increased

10atallgrass prairie1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/influence-plant-litter-patch-use-foraging-peromyscus-maniculatus-and-reithrodontomys01653nas a2200145 4500008004100000245010100041210006900142300001100211490000800222520110400230653002201334100001601356700001801372856011701390 1990 eng d00aPrevalence of botfly (Cuterebra sp.) parasites in populations of small mammals in eastern Kansas0 aPrevalence of botfly Cuterebra sp parasites in populations of sm a22 -300 v1243 a

Prevalence of botfly (Cuterebra sp.) parasitism in populations of small mammals was studied in tallgrass prairie of northeastern Kansas during 1985-1987. Four species of rodents, Neotoma floridana, Peromyscus leucopus, P. maniculatus, and Reithrodontymys megalotis, were parasitized and all infestations occurred between 1 June and 30 September. Prevalence was greatest in July and August of all species. Proportions of N. floridana (0.31) and P. leucopus (0.24) parasitized were similar and significantly greater than those of P. maniculatus (0.08) and R. megalotis (0.02). Over 95% of the parasitized animals were adults with no differences noted due to sex. Parasitized individuals resided longer on the study area than unparasitized animals for N. floridana, P. leucopus and R. megalotis, but not P. maniculatus. The relationship between residence time and parasitism, as well as higher proportions of infestation for N. floridana and P. leucopus, probably due to overlap in preferred habitat (woody vegetation in ravines and contiguous lowlands) between adult Cuterebra and these rodents

10atallgrass prairie1 aClark, B.K.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/prevalence-botfly-cuterebra-sp-parasites-populations-small-mammals-eastern-kansas01904nas a2200145 4500008004100000245008400041210006900125300001500194490000700209520138000216653002201596100001601618700001801634856010601652 1990 eng d00aShort-term responses of small mammals to experimental fire in tallgrass prairie0 aShortterm responses of small mammals to experimental fire in tal a2450 -24540 v683 a

Short-term responses of small mammals to experimental fire were examined in a 13-ha site on the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area, Kansas. A 6.1 ha portion was burned in spring 1987, whereas the 6.9 ha control site was left unburned in 1987, as was the entire 13 ha in spring 1986. In the absence of fire, less than 1% of all small mammals (n=130) caught in both March and April 1986 completely shifted from one area to the opposite area. No differences occurred in appearance of new individuals between the two areas in April 1986. In April 1987, the Reithrodontomys megalotis (n=14) and Microtus ochrogaster (n=6) caught in the burned area before fire and recaught after fire moved to the unburned area, but no individual from either species move the opposite way. Most Synaptomys cooperi (75%, n=4) moved away from the burned area, but no animals were available to test for movements into the burned area. Most new individuals for fire-negative species were captured in the unburned area after fire: 93% of R. megalotis (n=46), 96% of Blarina hylophaga (n=27), 100% of M. ochrogaster (n=4), and 100% of S. cooperi (n=1). In contrast, Peromyscus maniculatus exhibited a fire-positive response, with one of four moving from unburned to burned and none of five moving the opposite way, and most new individuals recorded after fire were in the burned area (88%, n=24)

10atallgrass prairie1 aClark, B.K.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/short-term-responses-small-mammals-experimental-fire-tallgrass-prairie01365nas a2200181 4500008004100000245003800041210003800079260004600117300001100163520083700174653000901011100001801020700001601038700001801054700002401072700001801096856006901114 1990 eng d00aSmall mammals and grassland fires0 aSmall mammals and grassland fires aNorman, OKbUniversity of Okalahoma Press a46 -803 a

For study of fire effects, the general null hypothesis is that fire will have no impact on the population density of individual animal species. Any species that fails to change numerically due to fire would be classified as a fire-neutral species. Alternatively, a population that could exhibit either a positive or negative numerical response to fire. Such species we classify as fire-positive or fire-negative species, respectively. Most early work on animals and fire was aimed at describing these general population responses. However, understanding the structure and function of grasslands demands that we know patterns of population changes from prefire through a multiyear, post-fire period, rather than simply ascertaining whether species are fire- positve, fire-negative, or fire-neutral over a short postfire period

10afire1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aFinck, E.J.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aCollins, Scott., L.1 aWallace, L.L. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/small-mammals-and-grassland-fires01681nas a2200229 4500008004100000245004100041210003700082260004600119300001300165520104300178653000901221100001601230700001601246700001901262700001701281700001601298700001801314700001901332700001601351700002101367856006301388 1989 eng d00aIs fire a disturbance in grasslands?0 afire a disturbance in grasslands aLincoln, NEbUniversity of Nebraska Press a159 -1613 a

Many grasslands, and in particular the tallgrass prairies of North America, are generally thought to be maintained by periodic fire. Semantic disagreement among researchers, however, threatens to hamper discussion of fire as an ecological force in grassland ecosystems. Some authors emphasize that fires are disturbances (or perturbations) since these fires disrupt or alter ecosystem states, trends and dynamics (e.g., accumulating nitrogen is volatilized, plant and animal communities change in composition). Other researchers point out that, because these fire-induced disruptions and alterations can maintain the status quo of the ecosystem (e.g., prevent it from becoming woodland), it is the lack of fire rather than fire itself that should be considered a disturbance. We argue that, since both points of view are useful, there is little to be gained by labeling loosely either fire or lack thereof as a "disturbance" in grassland ecosystems. Key Words: disturbance, fire, grasslands, perturbation, prairie, Kansas

10afire1 aEvans, E.W.1 aFinck, E.J.1 aBriggs, J., M.1 aGibson, D.J.1 aJames, S.W.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aSeastedt, T.R.1 aBragg, T.B.1 aStubbendieck, J. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/fire-disturbance-grasslands02102nas a2200157 4500008004100000245002300041210002300064260004400087300001300131520167500144100001801819700001801837700001901855700001601874856005401890 1989 eng d00aPopulation biology0 aPopulation biology aLubbock,TXbTexas Tech University Press a233 -2703 a

Recent literature on Peromyscus encompasses both descriptive and experimental studies that have led to new insights in population ecology, behavioral ecology, and community ecology. Genetic variation has been assessed in over 20 species of Peromyscus, with several studies focused on understanding patterns of macrogeographic differntiation, including island effects. Detailed analyses of the dynamics of microgeographic genetic structure are needed to better understand the organization and dynamics of populations. Additionally, little is known about the adaptive significance of biochemical variation. Social interactions in populations of Peromyscus are being examined in greater detail than before and are potentially important to the study of population regulation. Advances in understanding microhabitat selection and distribution, mostly involving P. leucopus and P. maniculatus, have been accomplished through use of multivariate statistical techniques and to lesser degree experimental manipulations. A major part of the increased effort in microhabitat analysis of Peromyscus species has been the result of studies of interspecific microhabitat partitioning. However, integrated studies of habitat selection, foraging, interspecific competition, and differential risk of predation are needed to better assess and describe interspecific resource partitioning within assemblages and the influence of age and sex on intraspecific resource partitioning. Ecological limits to population size, organization of populations, sex ratios, foraging behavior, and predation risk are less studied in Peromyscus, although some interesting observations have been made

1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKirkland, G.L.1 aLayne, J.N. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/population-biology02006nas a2200181 4500008004100000245007300041210006900114260004600183300001300229520137300242653002201615100001801637700001801655700001601673700001601689700002101705856009801726 1989 eng d00aRodents and shrews in ungrazed tallgrass prairie manipulated by fire0 aRodents and shrews in ungrazed tallgrass prairie manipulated by  aLincoln, NEbUniversity of Nebraska Press a173 -1773 a

Natural Prairie was a mosaic of patches of depths of plant litter due to topoedaphic conditions and to spatial-temporal variation in fire and grazing. Such variation in litter depth undoubtedly influenced the distribution and abundance of small mammals. To examine this issue, small mammals were censused and plant litter depth was measured during autumn from 1981 to 1984 on the Konza Prairie Natural Research Area near Manhattan, Kansas. Five to 11 sites subjected to fire at different times from 1967 to 1984 were sampled during each of the four years of the study. Relative densities of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) were negatively correlated to litter depth, wheras relative densities of Elliot's short-tailed shrews (Blarina hylophaga) and western harvest mice (Reithrodontomys megalotis) were positively correlated to the depth of plant litter. White-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus), typically found in wooded and brushy habitats, were captured in prairie sites, but no significant association with plant litter was evident. Although prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) were expected to be positively associated with litter, no significant relationship was found for 1982 (the only year with sufficiently high densities to test for a possible pattern). Key words: small mammals, plant litter, tallgrass prairie, fire, rodents, shrews, Kansas

10atallgrass prairie1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aFinck, E.J.1 aBragg, T.B.1 aStubbendieck, J. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/rodents-and-shrews-ungrazed-tallgrass-prairie-manipulated-fire01685nas a2200169 4500008004100000245008500041210006900126300001300195490000700208520110300215653002201318100001601340700001801356700001601374700001801390856010701408 1989 eng d00aSmall mammals in tallgrass prairie: patterns associated with grazing and burning0 aSmall mammals in tallgrass prairie patterns associated with graz a177 -1840 v213 a

Impacts of cattle grazing and prescribed spring burning on small mammals were assessed in (1) ungrazed and unburned, (2) ungrazed and burned, and (3) grazed and burned grassland habitats in the Flint Hills of eastern Kansas. Twelve species of small mammals were represented by the 287 individuals captured. Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus; 41% of all individuals), Elliot's short-tailed shrews (Blarina hylophaga; 22%), white-footed mice (P. leucopus; 14%), and prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster; 11%) were the four most common species. Deer mice avoided ungrazed, unburned sites, whereas Elliot's short-tailed shrews and prairie voles were most abundant in ungrazed, unburned habitats. Habitat use by these species was probably influenced by differences in amount of litter and vegetation cover resulting from grazing and burning. White-footed mice were most common in grazed, burned sites, probably due to the numerous shrub patches in this habitat. Assemblage diversity and total numbers of small mammals captured were not significantly influenced by either grazing or burning

10atallgrass prairie1 aClark, B.K.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aFinck, E.J.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/small-mammals-tallgrass-prairie-patterns-associated-grazing-and-burning01092nas a2200145 4500008004100000245011400041210006900155300001300224490000700237520052600244100001800770700001800788700001800806856012200824 1988 eng d00aDifferential use of experimental habitat patches by foraging Peromyscus maniculatus on dark and bright nights0 aDifferential use of experimental habitat patches by foraging Per a869 -8720 v693 a

To assess the influence of illumination on choice of microhabitat by foraging rodents, we tested the use of exposed and protected patches by deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) when seeds were equally available in two or more patch types in large laboratory arenas. Based on field observations, we expected that, under higher levels of illumination, the ratio of foraging activity in exposed microhabitats to that in protected ones would be lower. We present data from three experiments that uphold this expectation

1 aTravers, S.E.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/differential-use-experimental-habitat-patches-foraging-peromyscus-maniculatus-dark-and02035nas a2200157 4500008004100000245014400041210006900185300001300254490000700267520140300274653002201677100001801699700001801717700001601735856012601751 1988 eng d00aInfluence of fire and topography on habitat selection by Peromyscus maniculatus and Reithrodontomys megalotis in ungrazed tallgrass prairie0 aInfluence of fire and topography on habitat selection by Peromys a342 -3520 v693 a

Twelve species of small mammals were captured in 10 treatment areas manipulated by fire on the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area, Kansas. The four fire classes studied were annual fire, first year after fire with previous fire greater than or equal to 4 years earlier (year 1), 2-4 years since fire (years 2-4), and greater than or equal to five years since fire (year 5+). Of the two common rodents, Peromyscus maniculatus selected year 1 sites in all seasons, whereas Reithrodontomys megalotis selected annual fire sites in spring and years 2-4 site in summer with no differences in autumn. Based on 12 fire- topography categories (fire categories the same as above; topography categories: upland, breaks [area of the limestone outcrop at the edge of the hills] and lowland), habitat selection by P. maniculatus and R. megalotis differed significantly between autumn and summer, but could not be tested for spring. Analysis of structural features demonstrated that habitat use by P. maniculatus was related negatively to amount of litter and positively to amount of exposed soil and grass. These three features were related to time since fire; however, the lack of litter likely was the most important features in the positive response by P. maniculatus to conditions following a fire. In contrast, no significant relationships were found between habitat features and use by R. megalotis

10atallgrass prairie1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aFinck, E.J. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/influence-fire-and-topography-habitat-selection-peromyscus-maniculatus-and-reithrodontomys01536nas a2200181 4500008004100000245007800041210006900119300001300188490000800201520093700209653002201146100001601168700001801184700001801202700001601220700001501236856010301251 1988 eng d00aLong-distance movements by Reithrodontomys megalotis in tallgrass prairie0 aLongdistance movements by Reithrodontomys megalotis in tallgrass a276 -2810 v1203 a

During 6 years of small mammal trapping on Konza Prairie Research Natural Area, Kansas, we documented long-distance movements (defined as movements > 300 m) for 17 western harvest mice (Reithrodontomys megalotis). Linear distance moved ranged from 375 to 3200 m (median=600 m; mean=1049m) for all individuals. Males moved significantly farther, but not more often than females. Sixteen of the 17 animals that moved were adults and included reproductively active individuals. Although < 2% of the more than 1400 R. megalotis we captured moved > 300 m, the actual percentage should be much higher since our trapping efforts were limited in space and time. Since long-distance movements of individuals may have a marked effect on the genetic, social and demographic characteristics of populations, future studies of small mammals should be designed to better assess the influence of these movements on local populations

10atallgrass prairie1 aClark, B.K.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aFinck, E.J.1 aHand, S.S. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/long-distance-movements-reithrodontomys-megalotis-tallgrass-prairie02549nas a2200157 4500008004100000245006000041210006000101300001300161490000700174520205800181653002202239100001802261700001602279700001802295856007802313 1988 eng d00aMovements of the deer mouse in response to prairie fire0 aMovements of the deer mouse in response to prairie fire a225 -2290 v203 a

Movements of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in response to spring fire were studied using a 13-ha study site on the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area, Kansas. Approximately one-half of the grid was burned on 19 April 1984 following two weeks of intensive sampling of small mammals; periodic censuses were then made during the first five weeks after the fire. Density on the grid more than doubled (20 to 43 individuals) from the two weeks immediately before to 3-5 weeks after the fire. This change resulted from the classic response of deer mice to conditions created by fire with an increase in the number of individuals using the burned portion (BURN) of the grid exclusively (prefire: 5, postfire: 22) as well as individuals using both the burned and unburned portions (UNBURN) of the grid (prefire: 1, postfire: 6), but not from individuals using the unburned portion of the grid exclusively (prefire: 14, postfire: 15). Due to the known ecological requirements and the rapidity of density response observed in earlier studies, we predicted that the increase in density of deer mice in burned relative to unburned prairie shortly after a spring fire was due to the net movement of individuals from unburned to burned prairie. Postfire movements of deer mice present before our experimental fire were consistent with our predictions; however, the number of individuals present was too small to demonstrate a significant pattern of differential movements. For deer mice originally caught during the first two weeks after fire and then recaptured 3-5 weeks after fire, the proportion of mice captured in UNBURN that shifted to partial or complete use of BURN (7 individuals shifted: 4 stayed) was significantly greater than the proportion of mice captured in BURN that shifted to partial or complete use of UNBURN (1 shifted: 8 stayed). These observations supported our general prediction that in response to fire the net movement of deer mice into burned prairie is greater than net movement of deer mice into unburned tall-grass prairie

10atallgrass prairie1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aGurtz, S.K.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/movements-deer-mouse-response-prairie-fire01510nas a2200169 4500008004100000245005200041210005200093300001300145490000700158520100800165653002201173100001601195700001801211700001601229700001801245856007701263 1987 eng d00aUse of tallgrass prairie by Peromyscus leucopus0 aUse of tallgrass prairie by Peromyscus leucopus a158 -1600 v683 a

The white-footed mouse (Peromuscus leucopus) is a common resident of forests and woodlands but not grasslands in Kansas. Studies of P. leucopus on Konza Prairie Research Natural Area (KONZA) indicated that wooded microhabitats with a complex verticle structure of trees and shrubs were selected over wooded microhabitats that lacked a shrub layer. Even more striking was the near lack of use of grassland habitat contiguous with the wooded sites. In other regions, Geluso (1971) and Adler et al. (1984) have documented occasional use of grasslands by P. leucopus, especially when high densities were reached in adjacent wooded habitat. The purpose of this paper is to 1) document use of ungrazed tallgrass prairie by P. leucopus, 2) compare relative densities of P. leucopusacross three major habitats on KONZA (ungrazed tallgrass prairie, limestone ledges with shrubs and trees, and gallery forest), and 3)provide information on the distribution of P. leucopus within ungrazed grassland of KONZA

10atallgrass prairie1 aClark, B.K.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aFinck, E.J.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/use-tallgrass-prairie-peromyscus-leucopus01354nas a2200205 4500008004100000245006300041210006200104300001300166490000700179520073500186653002200921100001600943700001800959700001800977700001600995700001601011700001901027700001601046856008601062 1986 eng d00aMammals of the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area, Kansas0 aMammals of the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area Kansas a153 -1660 v183 a

An annotated list of the mammals was compiled from trapping records and observation for the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area (KONZA), a tall-grass prairie in the Flint Hills of eastern Kansas. Thirty-one species, 1 opossum, 2 shrews, 1 mole, 1 rabbit, 17 rodents, 7 carnivores, and 2 ungulates, were recorded. Habitat use and range for each species were included relative to our experience with the animals on KONZA. Percent composition of small mammals was presented by habitat type for 15 species captured on 26 permanent live traplines from autumn 1981 to spring 1984. The likelihood of occurrence on KONZA was disscused for 15 species (8 bats, 1 hare, 2 rodents, and 4 carnivores) not presently recorded for the site

10atallgrass prairie1 aFinck, E.J.1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aGurtz, S.K.1 aClark, B.K.1 aMcLellan, L.J.1 aClark, B.S. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/mammals-konza-prairie-research-natural-area-kansas01074nas a2200157 4500008004100000245009100041210006900132300001100201490000700212520050900219653002200728100001900750700001800769700001800787856011100805 1985 eng d00aHabitat selection by small mammals of the tallgrass prairie: experimental patch choice0 aHabitat selection by small mammals of the tallgrass prairie expe a65 -700 v173 a

Small mammals were sampled in 44 experimental burn plots on Konza Prairie Research Natural Area (NPRNA). These plots included burned and unburned upland and burned and unburned lowland tall-grass prairie. Peromyscus maniculatus was most common in burned upland, Reithrodontomys megalotis in unburned lowland, and Sigmodon hispidus in lowland with no response to fire treatment. Experimental patch choice was similar to habitat selection documented by earlier work on large watershed units on KPRNA

10atallgrass prairie1 aPeterson, S.K.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/habitat-selection-small-mammals-tallgrass-prairie-experimental-patch-choice01743nas a2200145 4500008004100000245006800041210006700109300001300176490000700189520125100196653002201447100001901469700001801488856009101506 1985 eng d00aHerpetofauna of the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area, Kansas0 aHerpetofauna of the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area Kansas a101 -1120 v173 a

Herpetofauna of the Konza prairie Research Natural Area (KPRNA), a tall-grass prairie research site in the Flint Hills of eastern Kansas, was sampled in terrestrial and aquatic habitats to compile a species list as well as to gather information on habitat distribution of individual species. Twenty-nine species, including 1 salamander, 8 frogs and toads, 3 turtles, 4 lizards, and 13 snakes were recorded from terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Three types of limestone outcrops were sampled intensively by trapping, searching under rocks and logs and capturing or recording animals seen while walking the outcrops. Data from these outcrops demonstrated differences in species richness and relative density of herpetiles with 7 species and 15 individuals recorded for a grass-dominated outcrop, 9 species and 49 individuals for a shrub- dominated outcrop, and 11 species and 50 individuals for a tree-dominated outcrop (sampling effort at the three sites was the same). Habitat distribution is described for species found on KPRNA using habitat records from captures and sightings. Finally, for species not found but possibly present (based on their distribution in Kansas, Collins 1982), the likelihood of occurrence on KPRNA is discussed

10atallgrass prairie1 aHeinrich, M.L.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/herpetofauna-konza-prairie-research-natural-area-kansas00838nas a2200145 4500008004100000245007100041210006900112300001300181490000700194520034500201100001800546700001500564700001800579856009500597 1985 eng d00aPeromyscus leucopus in riparian woodlands: use of trees and shrubs0 aPeromyscus leucopus in riparian woodlands use of trees and shrub a139 -1430 v663 a

Our objective was to describe the use of shrubs and trees by P. leucopus. More specifically, two predictions related to use of verticle habitat structure were examined. The firsst was that use of trees by P. leucopus is directly related to tree size. The second was that use of shrub canopy is directly related to density of branches

1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aPeak, M.E.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/peromyscus-leucopus-riparian-woodlands-use-trees-and-shrubs01252nas a2200157 4500008004100000245010400041210006900145300001300214490000700227520067900234653001100913653001200924100001800936700001800954856012200972 1984 eng d00aSize preference for novel objects by the eastern woodrat (Neotoma floridana) under field conditions0 aSize preference for novel objects by the eastern woodrat Neotoma a129 -1310 v873 a

Natural objects such as branches, leaves, bones and rocks are used in the construction and maintenance of houses by eastern woodrats. Woodrats also use novel items, e.g. pieces of metal, introduced into their home ranges. Ireland and Hays (1969) took advantage of this tendency and examined home range size from observations of the use of number tinfoil balls by woodrats. We examined the use of novel items, aluminum foil balls, plased in areas used by woodrats under field conditions to answer two general questions: 1) Do woodrats exhibit a size preference for novel items? 2) Does preference vary with distance between the house or burrow and the available items?

10arodent10awoodrat1 aKaufman, D.M.1 aKaufman, D.W. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/size-preference-novel-objects-eastern-woodrat-neotoma-floridana-under-field-conditions02122nas a2200169 4500008004100000245007400041210006900115300001300184490000800197520156800205653001201773100001801785700001901803700001601822700001801838856009601856 1983 eng d00aEffect of microhabitat features on habitat use by Peromyscus leucopus0 aEffect of microhabitat features on habitat use by Peromyscus leu a177 -1850 v1103 a

Habitat use and selection by the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) were examined in riparian woods and associated grassy, shrubbby and limestone outcrop habitats on the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area near Manhattan, Kansas. Analysis of captures on a large, irregular grid (843 stations) demonstrated significant differential use of habitat types by P. leucopus. Selection of habitat types was related to the verticle structure of the vegetation with areas of complex verticle structure (trees with large shrubs, large shrubs without trees or trees with small shrubs) selected over those with less well-developed verticle structure (trees without shrubs, small shrubs without trees or grass). The same basic pattern persisted when microhabitat features in the immediate area of traps were examined. Use of microhabitats associated with rocks, logs, stumps, and fallen trees in the riparian woods revealed greater use of areas with dense cover. The use of microhabitats associated with limestone outcrops confirmed a pattern of greater use of protected than of open areas. Patterns of habitat and microhabitat use were generally consistent with the use of habitat features to avoid predators; however, food distribution was not examined and availability of food in different sites may explain part of the use patterns. Limited observations on habitat selection by Neotoma floridana suggested that competitive interactions between P. leucopus and N. floridana were relatively unimportant in the macro- and microhabitats use patterns of P. leucopus

10ahabitat1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aPeterson, S.K.1 aFristik, R.1 aKaufman, G.A. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/effect-microhabitat-features-habitat-use-peromyscus-leucopus01570nas a2200169 4500008004100000245009600041210006900137300001100206490000700217520098300224653001101207653002201218100001801240700001801258700001601276856010801292 1983 eng d00aEffects of fire on rodents in tallgrass prairie of the Flint Hills region of eastern Kansas0 aEffects of fire on rodents in tallgrass prairie of the Flint Hil a49 -560 v153 a

Fire in tallgrass prairie reduces the amount of litter on the soil surface and enhances primary productivity in the first year following a fire. If the site is left unburned and ungrazed, a gradual increase in litter depth and a decrease in primary productivity occurs during the first few years following a fire. Based on these habitat changes and the habitat selection and food habits of prairie rodents, e.g., Peromyscus maniculatus, Reithrodontomys megalotis and Microtus ochrogaster, major shifts in rodent density should occur the first few years following a fire. We trapped four sites, each representing a different year of a 4-year cycle of burning, to analyze the effect of periodic fires on rodent populations in the tallgrass prairie. We also trapped a study site that is burned annually for comparison of the effect of annual fires to the 4-year cycle. Data are also presented to examine the effects of time since fire and fire frequency on rodent population

10arodent10atallgrass prairie1 aKaufman, D.W.1 aKaufman, G.A.1 aFinck, E.J. uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/effects-fire-rodents-tallgrass-prairie-flint-hills-region-eastern-kansas