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• ~ • <br />Discussion <br />iiic present mammalian fauna of the Hennigh and Ziegle properties <br />~ is characterized by a rather low diversity, together with low specific <br />~o;ulations, on average. Only the Fox Squirrel, Muskrat, Coycte, and <br />:.ed :ox appear to be present in "normal" numbers for the plains-- <br />foothills ecotone along Colorado's Front Range to the north of Denver. <br />I;one of the species recorded is particularly unusual, even at the <br />regional level. Perhaps the most unusual species is the White-tailed <br />Dccr, although this species is now widely, if sparsely, distributed <br />throu,rhout eastern Colorado. <br />A number of factors contribute to the low diversity and low mean <br />populations of mammals in the vicinity of the Hennigh and Ziegle <br />properties. Among these are: <br />(1) Lengthy dairy-farning of the Hennigh and Ziegle properties <br />has resulted in a landscape dominated by pastures and <br />irrigated hayfields; natural communities are poorly <br />represented, except for the riparian community along the <br />St. Vrain River and some of the ditches; cover, in most • <br />places, and for most species of eaild mammals, is deficient. <br />(2) Development of the limestone quarry to the west of tha Ziegle <br />property has resulted in substantial habitat modification, <br />and in establishment of a barrier between the Ziegle ~~roperty <br />and the foothills to the west. <br />(3) Bison ranching on the property to the east of the Hennigh <br />property, a fairly recent development, has already re:ulte3 <br />in very heavy grazing, with considerable reduction of cover <br />