The distribution, diversity, and evenness of species of small mammals across a variety of habitats in northern Michigan.

Abstract

This study investigated the diversity and evenness of species across a variety of habitats, defined as cover types. We also looked at the distribution and abundance of species throughout these cover types and whether species preference for specific habitat was a determining factor. Eleven students set up trap lines of 200-250 large Sherman traps, once to twice a week from July 12 to August 10, 2000. The study took place in the upper peninsula and the northern lower peninsula of Michigan. Trap lines were about 200-250 ft. apart with about 20-25 ft. between laid traps. A Shannon-Weiner/Weaver diversity index and species evenness was calculated for each cover type. We used a X2 analysis to determine whether frequencies of species were randomly distributed throughout cover types. We found that diversity and evenness were not equal across cover types and species were not randomly distributed throughout cover types. We suggest that nonrandom species distribution was caused by species habitat preference.