Wilkins, Kenneth T., 1953-Kirchner, Brianna N.Baylor University. Dept. of Biology.2009-06-012017-04-072009-06-012017-04-072009-052009-06-01http://hdl.handle.net/2104/5304Includes bibliographical references (p. 65-71).This study investigated effects of fire on vegetation and small mammals in a tallgrass blackland prairie remnant. At Leonhardt Prairie, vegetation and small mammals were monitored from February 2007 through May 2008 with a burn occurring Fall 2007. Pre-burn, dense litter and vegetative cover accommodated two dominant species, Baiomys taylori and Sigmodon hispidus, with a relative abundance (captures/100 trapnights) of 5.85 and 4.99, respectively. Post-burn, removal of vegetation led to an increase of Peromyscus maniculatus from a relative abundance of 0.12 pre-burn to 5.23 post-burn. Baiomys taylori and Sigmodon hispidus were not captured on burned sections for 7 months, though the unburned section maintained capture rates similar to pre-burn data. Shift in species composition has occurred from Baiomys taylori and Sigmodon hispidus to Peromyscus maniculatus, suggesting short-term fire response of small mammals in tallgrass prairies. This secondary successional cycle of 7 months suggests the prairie’s natural fire frequency was high.viii, 71 p. : ill., map, photos.149849 bytes3425217 bytesapplication/pdfapplication/pdfen-USBaylor University theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact librarywebmaster@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.Fire ecology --- Blacklands (Tex.)Prescribed burning --- Blackland (Tex.)Grassland fires --- Blackland (Tex.)Prairie animals -- Effect of fires on --- Blackland (Tex.)Prairie plants -- Effect of fires on --- Blackland (Tex.)Prairie conservation --- Blackland (Tex.)Blackland (Tex.) -- Management.ThesisWorldwide access