Mammal responses to revegetation of a sand dunes complex

Repeated human disturbances can affect the diversity and abundance of animals. The purpose of this study is to study the small mammal diversity on a sand dunes complex and to determine the sensitivity of mammals to revegetation. Wildlife surveys were conducted by trap and release techniques as well as studies of scat and tracks. Plant transects were made at revegetated and natural areas. Peromyscus maniculatus and Dipodomys heermanni were found at both sites, Peromyscus californicus were in abundance only at the revegetated site, and Microtus californicus were only found at the natural site. Significant differences in vegetation were found. At both sites Lupinus chamissonis was dominant. In the revegetated site, there was less ground cover. Likely the lack of vegetation diversity and lack of cover resulted in lower mammal diversity. To enhance small mammal populations at the revegetated site, an increase in science based management needs to be implemented.