Thursday, 4/7/2022
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University
Shawnee State University
Major
Biology
Presentation Types
Oral Presentation
Keywords:
littered containers, small mammals, mortality
Abstract
Littered and discarded containers are attractive to wildlife and contribute to their mortality. Studies investigating roadside litter have found that small mammals are especially impacted. Initial attraction may be to residual food materials and invertebrates within containers, and shelter from predators or environment. Accidental entries are also possible. It is unclear why certain mammals, once inside, cannot escape. Our study investigates influences of container conditions and characteristics on small mammal mortality within containers. Thirteen pairs of distinct containers were placed amongst four transects, established in two different habitats (ditch and forest floor). Half of the containers were baited with 6 mL high-fructose corn syrup, mimicking ingredients found in many containers’ products. Trail cameras at each transect discretely captured animal activity for the duration. Surface and internal temperature and humidity measurements were taken weekly over the course of 52 weeks. Preliminary findings will be highlighted during the presentation.
Human Subjects
no
Faculty Mentor Name
Sarah Ivers
Faculty Mentor Title
Dr.
Faculty Mentor Academic Department
Natural Sciences
Recommended Citation
Parsley, Katelyn, "Causal Factors Underlying Mammalian Mortality in Discarded Containers" (2022). Celebration of Scholarship. 8.
https://digitalcommons.shawnee.edu/cos/2022/day4/8
Causal Factors Underlying Mammalian Mortality in Discarded Containers
Littered and discarded containers are attractive to wildlife and contribute to their mortality. Studies investigating roadside litter have found that small mammals are especially impacted. Initial attraction may be to residual food materials and invertebrates within containers, and shelter from predators or environment. Accidental entries are also possible. It is unclear why certain mammals, once inside, cannot escape. Our study investigates influences of container conditions and characteristics on small mammal mortality within containers. Thirteen pairs of distinct containers were placed amongst four transects, established in two different habitats (ditch and forest floor). Half of the containers were baited with 6 mL high-fructose corn syrup, mimicking ingredients found in many containers’ products. Trail cameras at each transect discretely captured animal activity for the duration. Surface and internal temperature and humidity measurements were taken weekly over the course of 52 weeks. Preliminary findings will be highlighted during the presentation.