Paramenter et al. examined the impact of long-tailed vole (Microtus longicaudus) and deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) population changes and feeding behavior on shrub populations, and the resulting litter production in a shrub-steppe ecosystem of southwestern Wyoming. Populations peaked in autumn 1983 and declined to lower levels in 1984-1986. Damage to shrubs (in the form of bark-stripping and girdling) was observed after the winter of 1983-1984 but not after the winters of 1984-1985 and 1985-1986. Rodents damaged 21% of all shrubs and 28% of the big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) at the site, in general removing 36% of the shrub weight and increasing litter and dead standing biomass within the system by 30-69%. The resulting increased litter caused by rodent girdling of shrubs will most likely increase nutrient cycling and alter community dynamics and therefore rodent populations may be an important factor in shaping plant communities in this area.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.