EDGE EFFECT AND ITS INFLUENCE ON SMALL
"MOUSE" TYPE MAMMALS





WILLIAM R. GORDON

Department of Biology and Chemistry
Lake Superior State University
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783


	Abstract. Two experiments were conducted in the fall of 1991 and 1992. The
purpose ofthe study was to determine ifthe hypothesis that edge or ecotones contain a
higher diversity and density of animals than the two habitats that make the edge, and also
to find ifthe incidence ofpredation is higher along the edge. This study was conducted in
the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan using "mice" type mammals namely shrews,
voles, mice, and bog lemmings as indictors. The results indicate that predator animals
occur more ftequently along the edge offield and forest. Diversity although not density is
also greater along the field and forest edge. The hypothesis however does not hold true
for the edge made between two similar fields.





Selected References

Kroodsma, R.L. 1984. Ecological factors associated with degree ofedge effect in
breeding birds. The Journal ofWildlife Management. v48:41 8-25.

Vahner, R.H., Morrell, T.E., Rachel, 3.5. 1989. Effect ofEdge Contrast on
Depredation of Artificial Avian Nests. The Journal ofWildlife Management.
v53 1135-8.