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.