A Comparison of Habitat Suitability for American Martens (Martes Americana) in the Upper and Northern Lower Peninsulas of Michigan
Dublin Core
Title
A Comparison of Habitat Suitability for American Martens (Martes Americana) in the Upper and Northern Lower Peninsulas of Michigan
Description
Though native to Michigan, American martens (Martes americana) were eradicated from the state in the early 1900s due to habitat loss and overharvesting. In 2000 the species was reinstated as a game species in Michigan after decades of re-introductions and translocations of varying success. The purpose of this study was to examine some of the release sites using a Habitat Suitability Model to determine what habitat characteristics had the most influence on the
success of re-establishment efforts. The characteristics studied were stand succession, percent canopy cover, percent of the canopy comprised of conifers, and percent of coarse woody debris groundcover. Four sites were included in this study: 1) Hiawatha National Forest, 2) Ottawa National Forest, 3) Manistee National Forest, and 4) Pigeon River Country State Forest. Overall, site 3 was found to be the least suitable for martens and site 1 was the most suitable. All four study sites received the lowest index in percent of conifers in the canopy, indicating that this may be the limiting factor in marten re-establishment.
success of re-establishment efforts. The characteristics studied were stand succession, percent canopy cover, percent of the canopy comprised of conifers, and percent of coarse woody debris groundcover. Four sites were included in this study: 1) Hiawatha National Forest, 2) Ottawa National Forest, 3) Manistee National Forest, and 4) Pigeon River Country State Forest. Overall, site 3 was found to be the least suitable for martens and site 1 was the most suitable. All four study sites received the lowest index in percent of conifers in the canopy, indicating that this may be the limiting factor in marten re-establishment.
Creator
Highlen, Megan
Source
Biology
Publisher
Lake Superior State University
Date
2015
Contributor
Dr. John Roese
Rights
Copyright Megan Highlen all rights reserved. LSSU use only.
Format
application/pdf
Language
English
Type
text.monograph
Identifier
S20211004001
Hyperlink Item Type Metadata
Files
Citation
Highlen, Megan, “A Comparison of Habitat Suitability for American Martens (Martes Americana) in the Upper and Northern Lower Peninsulas of Michigan,” LSSU Student Research Projects, accessed May 17, 2024, https://seniorprojects.omeka.net/items/show/690.