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HigginsCheriRochelle2002 dr.pdf (2.03 MB)

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Ecosystem Engineering by Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) In Created Freshwater Marshes

Higgins, Cheri Rochelle
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1392109286

Abstract Details

2002, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Environmental Science.
In a three year-study we examined the effects of muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) eat-outs and herbivory on emergent macrophtye recovery in two constructed (experimental) wetlands at the Olentangy River Wetland Research Park in Columbus, OH. Muskrat lodge counts were used to estimate population size in the two marshes. Plots were established in eat-out and control areas to compare vegetation recovery; exclosure plots were used to separate the herbivory effects from eat-out effects. A model was created to predict short-term changes in vegetation recovery. Muskrat eat-out areas showed significantly less regrowth than control areas. Muskrat herbivory did not significantly decrease vegetation recovery in eat-out or control areas; therefore the mass plant removal noted at the site is most likely the result of muskrat eat-outs for lodge construction. A model of vegetation loss and recovery after muskrat invasion showed a 68% decrease in vegetative cover over 4 years. Subsequent decreases in muskrat populations should lead to eventual vegetation recovery, but low water conditions may be necessary for this to occur.
William J. Mitsch (Advisor)
Virginie Bouchard (Committee Member)
John D. Harder (Committee Member)
67 p.
Environmental Science

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Higgins, C. R. (2002). Ecosystem Engineering by Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) In Created Freshwater Marshes [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1392109286

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Higgins, Cheri. Ecosystem Engineering by Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) In Created Freshwater Marshes. 2002. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1392109286.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Higgins, Cheri. "Ecosystem Engineering by Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) In Created Freshwater Marshes." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2002. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1392109286

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1392109286
541
© 2002, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.