Abstract
The small vertebrate community of a mixed bottomland habitat associated with a marsh in Baldwin and Wilkinson Counties, central Georgia, was sampled from July 2003 to February 2004. This survey was conducted using terrestrial drift fences with pitfall and double-ended funnel traps. Forty-three species were captured, including 17 amphibians, 16 reptiles, and 10 mammals. Amphibians were the most abundant animals captured and Bufo terrestris was the most abundant species, accounting for nearly half of the total captures. Species richness and Simpson's diversity were calculated for the sampled community. Relationships between capture rates and environmental factors were analyzed, and the effectiveness of the two trap types used to sample varying organisms was examined. Significant correlations were found between temperature, rainfall, and the capture rates of reptiles and amphibians. Statistically significant differences were found between the capture effectiveness of funnel and pitfall traps. Of note is the presence at the site of the spotted turtle, Clemmys guttata, as this species is listed as being "of special consideration" by the state of Georgia.
Recommended Citation
(2008)
"The Small Vertebrates of a Mixed Bottomland Forest Habitat Associated with a Marsh in Central Georgia with Comments on the Effectiveness of Trap Type,"
Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 66, No. 2, Article 2.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol66/iss2/2