Impact of urbanization on small rodent abundance and community composition

To determine the impacts of urban activities on small rodent populations, we conducted population surveys both inside and outside the urban core of Phoenix, AZ over one fall and spring season. We used Sherman traps and larger wire traps to target small vertebrates such as mice, rats, and squirrels for two consecutive trap nights at four desert remnant parks inside the city and four desert parks outside the city. Overall, small rodent abundances and diversity at the species level were statistically similar in the urban and rural parks, but rural parks hosted a significantly greater diversity at the genus level and an overall difference in community composition between the two locations.