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4-47 <br />although these species are probably present. <br />u <br />4.6.4 Small Mammals <br />A quantitative small mammal trapping program was carried <br />out during July and November, 1977. The objectives of <br />the study were to obtain information on habitat affinity, <br />species diversity, and relative abundance within several <br />distinct habitat types. <br />At each site sampled, 25 live traps were positioned line- <br />arly through what was judged to be homogeneous habitat. <br />Traps were spaced at lOCM intervals and checked on two <br />consecutive mornings. The results of all captures, in- <br />cluding recaptures, are expressed as a trapping index <br />• (Table 4.6-3); a standard procedure which facilitates <br />comparisons with data gathered elsewhere. <br />The diversities and abundance levels obtained are rather <br />low, but not uncommonly so for the generally arid environ- <br />ment of the lease location. Numerous captures of deer <br />mice are not all uncommon. This is one of the more ubi- <br />auitous marunals. In contrast, the western havest mouse is <br />rarely captured in this geographic region. The canyon <br />mouse is aptly named and typically occurs among rimrock <br />situations in western Colorado. Species of the genus <br />Microtus were not taken. These are important prey species <br />• which are at times abundant. Whether they reach high num- <br />hers in this area during some years is unknown. One reason <br />