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Small mammal populations at hazardous waste disposal sites near Houston, Texas, USA

January 1, 1990

Small mammals were trapped, tagged and recaptured in 0·45 ha plots at six hazardous industrial waste disposal sites to determine if populations, body mass and age structures were different from paired control site plots. Low numbers of six species of small mammals were captured on industrial waste sites or control sites. Only populations of hispid cotton rats at industrial waste sites and control sites were large enough for comparisons. Overall population numbers, age structure, and body mass of adult male and female cotton rats were similar at industrial waste sites and control sites.

Populations of small mammals (particularly hispid cotton rats) may not suffice as indicators of environments with hazardous industrial waste contamination.

Publication Year 1990
Title Small mammal populations at hazardous waste disposal sites near Houston, Texas, USA
DOI 10.1016/0269-7491(90)90182-C
Authors Edward L. Flickinger, J. D. Nichols
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Environmental Pollution
Index ID 5222418
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Patuxent Wildlife Research Center