Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

477

Date

2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Biology

Committee Chair

Michael L Kennedy

Committee Member

Karyl K. Buddington

Committee Member

Esra Ozdenerol

Committee Member

Bill A. Simco

Abstract

Population density of the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) and associations of occurrence and density with selected habitat variables were studied at Meeman Biological Station from 2000-2006 and 2008-2010. Mark/recapture techniques were utilized to estimate density. Associations of density to habitat variables were assessed using a geographic information system. Density ranged from 1 Virginia opossum per 9.5 ha to 1 per 3.5 ha with a mean of 1 per 6.9 ha. Average precipitation the year prior was significantly correlated with density. Winter and spring precipitation significantly correlated with same-year density. Fall precipitation significantly correlated with following-year density. There were no correlations between temperature and density. Distance to nearest field and nearest building and length of forest/field edge within a 75-meter perimeter were significantly correlated with capture success. Captures on ridges were significantly fewer than on slopes or in hollows, and there was no interaction between location of traps and sex.

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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