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C <br />the type as determined by Chi - square data (Appendix B, Part 1). <br />The deer muse was the only species captured in the other two vegetation <br />types sampled, upland sagebrush and grassland pasture.. As a result, the species <br />diversity index was 0.0 for both types. Relative abundance indices was <br />also low for both types with 0.8 individuals /100 trap nights for upland <br />sagebrush and 0.4 individuals /100 trap nights for grassland pasture. <br />As a result of the low number of captures, the deer rouse did not reveal an <br />affinity ffr any type sampled. <br />Assuming that trapping results reflect actual relative abundance of small <br />mammals in to h of the types sampled, it is evident that both upland sage- - <br />brush and grassland pasture do not provide good small mammal habitat at <br />the lvucla site. Predation, petition with Gunnison's prairie dogs (see <br />below), lack.f appropriate food and /or nesting requirements,and the homogene- <br />ity of the types (reduced number of small mammal niches) are all possible <br />reasons for the low populations levels observed on these two types. Con- <br />versely, the riparian type provides habitat for two small Mammal species with <br />narrow habitat requirements, the western harvest mouse and meadow vole. <br />Both are generally• found in riparian situations only (Leichlei.tner 1969). <br />Moreover, the riparian type, in the form of an increased vegetation cover, <br />r esult s in both more species and a higher population level in this habitat. . <br />Small Mammal Species. The deer muse was captured in all vegetation types <br />sampled in the study area. This nocturnal species Is probably the most <br />abundant and widespread mammal in Colorado (Lechleitner 1969). The deer <br />mouse occurs in a variety of habitats, from deserts to marshes and from prai- <br />ries to above timberline. A total of 4 deer mice were captured, representing <br />a total relative abundance over all `types of 0.7 individuals /100 trap nights. <br />The deermaUUe did not show an affinity for a particular habitat type. - The <br />sex ratio of all deer mice captured was 0.75 females and 0.25 males. <br />tteadow vole habitat includes hoist areas with abundant supplies of grasses, <br />sedges or other green, succulent vegetation. 'The only habitat with these <br />characteristics in the study area is riparian and was the only habitat in <br />-29- <br />Jug 1 t ivea <br />