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Section 779.20 (c) Continued. <br />• of Observations of Plammalian Species on Proposed Mine Expansion <br />Areas During August, 1975), only the deer mouse was trapped in both <br />habitats (see Small Mammals Live-Trapped on the Four Mammals Grids <br />August, 1975, Table 45). Several ecological conditions may account <br />for the limited diversity in these cover types. First, sagebrush <br />and meadow are more open and have a relatively simple growth-form <br />thus limiting the available microhabitat variation essential for <br />diverse fauna. Second, both cover types have been disturbed. The <br />meadow grid was in an area of cultivated grasses, and the sagebrush <br />grid area had been exposed to heavy livestock grazing. Third, deer <br />mice, unlike their allied species, occur in many upland habitats <br />throughout North America, including disturbed areas. The compounding <br />effects of limited growth form, and perhaps limited food resource, <br />coupled with the disturbance may account for the presence of deer <br />mice and the lack of other mammals in sagebrush and meadow. <br />Data (See Table 46, Reproductive Status of Small Mammals Trapped on <br />• Four Grids August, 1975) indicate less breeding activity occurring <br />in aspen woodland than in the other communities. This may reflect <br />shorter reproduction seasons at higher elevations. <br />Small Mammals. 1979 Investigations. A list of mammal species, <br />trapped, observed and recorded by sign or local record in 1979, as <br />well as mammals which may be present based on species distribution <br />and knowledge of habitat preference, is presented in Table 47, <br />Mammals That Occur Or Are Likely To Occur In The Eckman Park Study <br />Area. The only species of small mammals trapped during the small <br />mammal sampling period were deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) and <br />least chipmunks (Eutamias minimus). Results of this trapping <br />effort are presented in Table 48, Small Mammal Trapping Data. <br />Other small mammal species observed or deemed to exist on site due <br />to sign are: Richardson's ground squirrel (Spermophilus richardsonii), <br />golden-mantled ground squirrel (Spermophilus lateralis), red squirrell <br />• (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), Northern pocket gopher (Thomomys talpoides) <br />779-150 <br />