EFFECT OF DEVELOPMENT ON MAMMAL USE OF THE RIPARIAN HABITAT IN THE SAN JOAQUIN RIVER

Petros Chrysafis; petroschrysafis@gmail.com; Dr. Brian L. Cypher, Dr. Steve Blumenshine, Dr. Paul R.Crosbie

Development occurs in varying degrees along the San Joaquin River upland habitat. Upland habitat alteration can influence downslope areas such as river riparian zones, and thus wildlife use of these important terrestrial-aquatic interfaces. Camera traps have been deployed on six sites along the river riparian habitat to observe mammal response to development. Species response to development can be detrimental or beneficial depending on their behavioral plasticity and sensitivity. Species can benefit from new food and shelter resources whilst others may be expelled from their habitat due to higher sensitivity or lack of plasticity. Mammal response to development including use of riparian habitat and activity time will be investigated using mammal assemblages in sites of varying development and vegetation cover. First, mammal assemblages among sites will be compared to discern a relationship with development, vegetation level, and their interaction. Second, the influence of development and vegetation level on mammal mean activity time will be examined to discern relationships and whether thresholds exist for tolerance to development and vegetation cover. Results from this study are important to conservation as well as wildlife management.

Poster Session     Student Paper