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Urban landscape features influencing rodent control and animal movement in two urban areas of California
Citation:
MORZILLO, A. T., S. D. Riley, B. Cypher, AND D. A. Kamradt. Urban landscape features influencing rodent control and animal movement in two urban areas of California. Presented at American Society of Mammalogists, Fairbanks, AK, June 24 - 28, 2009.
Impact/Purpose:
“Pest” control of both native (e.g., gophers) and exotic (e.g., black rats, house mice) species may impact populations of non-target species inadvertently.
Description:
“Pest” control of both native (e.g., gophers) and exotic (e.g., black rats, house mice) species may impact populations of non-target species inadvertently. We evaluated relationships among animal movement, rodent control, and landscape features in two urban locations in California. Southwestern Bakersfield consists of high- and medium-density development and is home to an urban population of San Joaquin kit foxes. Southeastern Ventura County contains low-and medium-density development interspersed with natural areas and is home to several large carnivores. We collected rodent control data via a resident survey and compared results to animal movement data from radio-tracking studies. In Bakersfield, kit foxes used altered open areas (sumps, golf courses, schoolyards) for denning and foraging, commercial areas for foraging, and occasionally used residential areas. Rodent control did not vary with development density. In Ventura County, bobcats, coyotes, and mountain lions used natural areas most intensively; bobcats and coyotes used altered open and low-density residential areas extensively and high-density residential and commercial areas occasionally. Rodent control was widespread, but more likely in low-density developments and near natural areas. Areas of overlap between wildlife use and rodent control increases potential for adverse impacts to wildlife and may be important target locations for mitigation measures.