Small mammal abundance and community composition in Prince Edward Island National Park

Small mammal communities were studied in eight vegetation types of the Prince Edward Island National Park. Ten species were trapped. Shannon-Weiner index of diversity was high in Red Pine[Pinus resinosa] plantations (1.33 and 1.55) and a bog (1.47), and low for opened habitats such as a dune (0.19), and a freshwater wetland (0.60). Evenness was highest in Red Pine plantations, and lowest for wooded habitats including an Acadian forest. Relative abundance varied among species and habitats. Although the most widespread species was Sorex cinereus, the greatest abundance (16.8 individuals/l00 trapnights) was reached by Tamias striatus in the Acadian forest. It is hypothesized that natural factors such as predation and population fluctuations may explain the levels of abundance of small mammal species in the park. In some areas, visitor accommodations and current human activity may have also modified the dynamics of some species..