Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

6526

Jessica Davin

Date

2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Biology

Committee Chair

Michael L Kennedy

Committee Member

Cheryl A. Goudie

Committee Member

Ferkin H. Michael

Abstract

Activity patterns of the eastern woodrat (Neotoma floridana illinoensis) in southwestern Tennessee (Shelby Co.) were investigated at the Edward J. Meeman Biological Station. Patterns were captured using inrared, motion-triggered cameras at bait stations at 3 sites over seasons during 2013-2016. Photographs were examined to determine periods of activity and to observe different feeding strategies (solitary, aggressive, and non-aggressive). Analyses of data indicated that eastern woodrats were primarily nocturnal. The eastern woodrats showed greatest seasonal activity during the fall and approximately equal activity during summer, spring, and winter months. Analyses of data indicated they were solitary and agonistic towards conspecifics and revealed that solitary activity was utilized more than were feeding aggressively in a group and non-aggressive group feeding. Such data relating to the ecology and behavior of eastern woodrats can help build monitoring programs for the species, which will be useful in sustaining the taxon long-term.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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