Wildlife species adapt to urban challenges
By Morgan DeMay
Abstract
To evaluate the importance of woodlot forest fragments for conservation efforts, we analyzed the relationships between mammals and human disturbance rates at SUNY Purchase College, Purchase, NY (41° 02’50.23” N -73°42’7.65”W). Our results show that wildlife species at SUNY Purchase College Campus adapted to human disturbances at varying levels. The results of this study suggest that mammals’ spatial patterns are adapting to varying human disturbance rates. The results of this study also suggest that conserving fragmented woodlots could be an effective conservation management action to promote biodiversity in urban ecosystems.