| Results of a small mammal species inventory and habitat study within 3 Sierran mixed conifer habitats were compared to predictions by the California Wildlife Habitat Relationships (CWHR) System. Accuracies for species predicted present/absent were 92.3% for multi-storied, open (medium/large trees), and sparse (medium/large trees) habitats. Reproductive activity accuracies were 92.3% (multi-storied), 91% (open), and 89.7% (sparse). Predictions for species expected absent and not reproductively active were ≥98.5% correct. Predictions for species present and expected reproductively active were ≤50% correct. All habitats had similar relative abundances for Tamias speciosus, Tamiasciurus douglasii, and Spermophilus beecheyi, respectively, contrary to CWHR predictions. All habitats had similar relative abundances of Peromyscus maniculatus as CWHR predicted. Presence of Peromyscus maniculatus (multi-storied), Tamias speciosus, and Tamiasciurus douglasii was not associated with microhabitat features examined. Presence of Peromyscus maniculatus was associated with high shrub cover (open), and high total canopy and tree vegetation less than 1 m (sparse). |
