| Humans for millennia have used dry stone construction. Modern development is resulting in more homogenous landscapes, but dry stone construction might provide niche habitat for small mammals to support a greater range of ecosystem services in urban and pen-urban landscapes.;This study evaluates the landscape effect on the use of dry stone walls (DSWs) by small mammals. Four DSWs were chosen with different landscape surroundings ranging from highly-manicured to forest. Animal tracks were recorded by tracking tubes placed at varying distances from the DSWs. Game cameras and surface tracks were monitored at each wall over a four-week period.;Results suggest that in the absence of high habitat value landscapes, DSWs perform several habitat roles for small mammals, and act as barriers for larger ones. Determining DSW use by small mammals in conjunction with the surrounding landscape helps designers and wallers better place and integrate these cultural habitats. |
