Forest composition affects activity levels and abundance of mammals
by Jennie Consalvo
Abstract
Forest composition is affected by both human disturbance and wildlife that graze understory vegetation. Areas experiencing browsed vegetation and human impact affect species richness and diversity. By using a trail camera trap study to observe what species are present and creating 10x10m quadrats to collect data on forest composition in 6 different sites on Purchase Campus we can analyze how differing levels of vegetation affects mammal species present. Forest composition does not influence activity levels of mammals throughout the day, it does however influence the species richness and abundance. There is also a strong correlation between un-browsed natural areas and wildlife diversity.