Honors Theses
Advisor
Mariela Gantchoff, Ph.D.
Department
Biology
Publication Date
4-22-2026
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Abstract
The transformation of natural landscapes stemming from anthropogenic activities can have profound impacts on wildlife. Significant tracts of impervious surfaces and extensive agricultural land use fragment habitats, influencing the assemblage and diversity of mammalian wildlife communities therein. Understanding how mammals respond to changes in the landscape within and surrounding protected parks and natural areas is of particular concern for land managers who are interested in both facilitating biodiversity, while also maintaining recreational opportunities for the public. This project aimed to assess the relative status of terrestrial mammal communities by quantifying species richness and diversity in three Five Rivers MetroParks protected areas in Twin Valley, Ohio. Camera traps were utilized to monitor wildlife over two field seasons, and distances to the following landscape variables: roadways, buildings, forest edges, agriculture, and water bodies, were measured and analyzed in relation to each biodiversity index. Common mammal species detected included white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), northern raccoon (Procyon lotor), Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), squirrels (Sciurus spp.), and coyotes (Canis latrans). I found that species richness and mammal diversity were highest at sites located farther from bodies of water. Discernible differences in diversity between park locations were also observed. These findings highlight the complex relationships and varying responses of mammals to landscape modification and suggest that terrestrial species can exhibit nuanced associations with bodies of water.
Permission Statement
This item is protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) and may only be used for noncommercial, educational, and scholarly purposes.
Keywords
Undergraduate research
eCommons Citation
Martin, Trevor, "Effects of landscape transformation on mammalian biodiversity within protected areas across the Twin Valley area, Ohio" (2026). Honors Theses. 530.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/uhp_theses/530
COinS
