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Article: Habitat attributes and population size of Texas kangaroo rats on an intensely grazed pasture in Wichita County, Texas.
- Article from:
- The Texas Journal of Science
- Article date:
- February 1, 2007
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 Texas Academy of Science. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Abstract. -- An assessment of burrows was conducted at a 15-ha site in north-central Texas known to contain a population of Texas kangaroo rats (Dipodomys elator). The greatest numbers of burrows were in loose, elevated soils where 30-year-old unburned brush piles had decayed, followed by elevated, open areas. The least occupied habitats were fence rows, woody vegetation such as lotebush (Zizyphus obtusifolia) and honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), and rocks. Texas kangaroo rats favored slightly elevated, well-drained, clay loam soils. Dominant vegetation at the study site was indicative of disturbances such as intense grazing by livestock. Burrows were associated with ...