Small mammal distribution on differently managed storm areas of a mountain forest

In 1995, two uprooted forest stands and an old growth area were investigated regarding small mammal distribution. Each stand was 10 ha in size and all were Located at the borderline of Styria and Lower Austria. The age of the forest stands at all three study sites was approximately 200 years old. One study area, the windfallen stand was cleared from thrown and broken trees after the disturbance, the other one was left untreated. The aim of the study was to document small mammal communities in a mountain forest area in the Northern Limestone Alps and also, to investigate if habitat preferences of yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) and bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) were similar in mountain forests compared to previously studied areas at lower elevations. The Largest number of Muridae were captured on the untreated storm area. Trapping data showed that the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) was dominant on all three study sites followed by the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus), wood mouse (Apodemus Sylvaticus), and field vole (Microtus agrestis). Yellow-necked mice were most often caught at the untreated site and in general were captured in young as well as grass and herb stands. The number of male yellow-necked mice captured was significantly larger on the three study sites as a whole. But taking the respective study sites selectively, the number of males was significantly larger only in the old growth stand. Trapping success suggests that seasonal habitat change occurs with the yellow-necked mouse. Trapping success for the bank vole was highest on the cleared plot and closely associated with young stands, old stands, and forest edge. Trapping success on the three study sites as a whole corresponded with habitat preferences as described in the literature.