Calhoun Line Notes Small Mammal Dataset Summary

An average of thirteen Calhoun lines were established and run, at various intervals, between 1950 and 1989. Lines were generally run twice a day (AM and PM) over a 3 day period, once each year. Both rat and mouse snap-traps were used. Stations were established along each line and averages of 3 traps were set at each station. Some records include notes on occurrences of sprung traps. However, they are not noted in this database due to inconsistent recording. Refer to hardcopies.

This database was created from photocopies of original records. In some cases data was unreadable or illegible. It cannot be guaranteed that this is a complete record of all Calhoun line Data at Sagehen Creek Field Station. Years, forms, and other info may be missing from this Database. Please contact Station Manager in attempt to track down previous researchers and Data originals.

Journal Abstracts and information can be found on the UC Reserve System Websites http://ucnrs.org or http://knb.ecoinformatics.org/knb/style/skins/nrs/index.html

The following journals may have used this Calhoun Line data.
-‘Small Mammal Populations in Six Sagehen Creek Basin Habitats’. Henri Antonius Reichart, 1972. UC Berkeley.

-‘Population Fluctuations of Small Mammals and Sooty Grouse in California’. Robert Shaw Hoffmann, 1956. UC System.

Each trapline record contains a summary of small mammal numbers caught over each trapping period (AM & PM). Numbers are based on hard copy summaries. Accuracy was not checked in reference to detailed data. Data may appear in summaries that are not present in detailed records and vice versa.

Cheek pouches -0- unless specified.

All trap lines appear to have been checked twice each day. (AM, PM)

Multiple traps set at each station (Rat, Mouse)

Notes on sprung traps vary in consistency and were not recorded in database unless presented in chart summary. Notes of days when no specimen were caught also vary and were not recorded in database
Key:
‘--: no data

blue: poor photo copy. Data cut off or not readable.

Red: Body part missing. Weight and following measurements may not be precise. See remarks. (based on interpretation of data entry personnel. All notations of damage noted in ‘remarks’)

Cibe- Citellus beecheyi (Spermophilus beecheyi)

Cibd- Citellus beldingi (Spermophilus beldingi)

Euam- Eutamias amoenus

Euse- Eutamias senex

Eusp- Eutamias speciosus

Euto- Eutamias townsendii

Euqu- Eutamias quadrimaculatus

Glsa- Glaucomys sabrinus

Mimo- Microtus montanus

Mica- Microtus californicus

Pema- Peromyscus maniculatus

Pepa- Perognathus parvus

Phin- Phenacomys intermedius

Soob- Sorex obscurus

Sotr- Sorex trowbrigii

Sova- Sorex vagrans

Spla- Spermophilus lateralis (Cala, Cila)

Tado- Tamiasciurus douglasii

Thmo- Thomomys monticola

Zapr- Zapus princeps
*abbreviations shortened to two letters when specific species not clear. (ex. Eu. For

Eutamias)

‘The attached Calhoun forms contain data which have not been used in the calculations of any census information. Bad weather is assumed to have biased the sampling. Animals recorded have been processed for future study on food habits, etc., and they are enclosed with all the other preserved specimens of the 1972 Calhoun line census.’ –H.A. Reichart 10, Sept, 1972

(Written in a variety of scripts.) A few forms were not entered into database due to inability to decipher short-hand, lack of date, repetition of date, questions as to placement, and possible repetition of information. Please consult hardcopies.

Summary for 1959

‘ I am assuming that all Tamias collected here in 1984 are T. amoenus as all had yellow mid section of dorsal tail hairs. This character is what Jim Pathr said to use to separate T. amoenus from T. speciosus (orangish mid section).’

‘Trapping continued thru July 25 this year as wildlife-fisheries class project. See other notes’.

‘2 day summary? (9/8/77, 9/10/77) Pages missing 9/9/77 ? ‘

‘ Dick Gard:

Calhoun Line 1000 feet long, 21 stations, 50 feet apart, 3 traps at each station. Each within 5 feet of stake at likely spots. Use either live or snap traps but be consistent. Run 3 day consecutively, checking morning and night. Numbers of various species or sexes caught do not necessarily indicate relative abundance as some come from longer distances to the traps (male, male and larger mice).

–Don Roberts’

‘.31” of rain fell between 0600 and 0800 on 10/18 and .02 fell on 10/19 during entire day. High winds were present all day on 10/19.’

‘Traps initially set out between 1630 and 1745 on 10/13/60. Traps picked up at 1700 on 10/16/60.’

‘Traps initially set out between 1645 and 1815 on 10/31. The traps were picked up at 1625 on 10/6/61.’

June 30 to July 2, 1965 (Francis Milno?)

'Trap line number VII (M) was laid out in the meadow across the stream from the Sagehen Creek Station. There are 21 stations in a straight line, spaced 50 feet apart for a distance of 1000 ft. At the central station, station eleven, the line is at an angle of 310 degrees with line drawn to the station flag pole.'
Description of Station and catch for each Station

Station #	Description	Catch- Peromyscus	Catch- Microtus
1-3	Dry grass		1
4	Marshy grass		1
5-6	Dry, grass w/ rocks	3
7-9	Grassy, very rocky	1
10	Grassy
11-12	Bare rocky	2
13-14	Grassy
15-17	Marshy grass	2	1
18-19	Rock, grass	1
20-21	Bare and rock

'Caught 3 microtus (all durring day) and 8 peromyscus, all at night. Night temps went to lows between 30 and 40 degrees F all three nights. Former years show higher catch of microtus. 'The microtus catch is quite low this year. Since microtus are supposed to be easy to catch, there appears to be a low microtus population. The data for the year shows a scattering of microtus and peromyscus too scarcely to draw any good conclusion. The data is far too poor to attempt to estimate the total microtus population. One thing it suggests, however, is a difference in activity between the two species of mouse; the peromyscus being caught at night and microtus durring the day.'

'It rained the evening before and this afternoon. Every trap was sprung.'