Small mammal use of abandoned surface mines in southwestern Virginia

Abstract

Trapping was conducted on 12 abandoned contour surface mines in southwestern Virginia during the summer of 1976 to determine relationships between small mammal diversity and abundance and select vegetation and site factors. Eleven species of mammals were captured during four, six-night trapping periods. Peromyscus leucopus noveboracensis and P. maniculatus nubiterrae were the most abundant and widespread mammals encountered on the mines. Other mammalian species were captured infrequently. General habitat types were noted where species other than Peromyscus were most frequently captured.

Reforested mine habitats were utilized most heavily by small mammals. Herbaceous areas received little use during the summer, but may be more extensively utilized during the winter when food supplies in the forest are low. Peromyscus abundance, as measured by trapping success, was positively associated with the development of forested habitats possessing a diverse vegetative profile on the mines. Areas where Peromyscus was captured had significantly greater vegetation development and significantly higher soil pH and nutrient levels than areas where these mice were not captured. Peromyscus populations on the mines may be an important source of food for larger mammals and birds. These mice may also be useful as minimum indicators of wildlife habitat quality and hence serve as a criterion in the evaluation of wildlife-oriented surface mine reclamation work.