Faculty Sponsor

Aimee Dunlap

Final Abstract for URS Program

Small predators, despite their size, play pivotal roles in ecosystem balance. Primarily, through their predation of herbivores, they indirectly benefit native plant communities. By reducing the damage from herbivory, herbaceous plants have a higher likelihood to thrive and proliferate. This is crucial in the restoration of Missouri glades. However, for small predators to achieve this, they rely heavily on their ability to navigate through their environment. One factor that may influence their ability to traverse their environment is recreational trails. Trails can cause habitat fragmentation by disconnecting one larger area into two. Trails also have significantly different microclimate than the surrounding glade, and little ground cover to protect from aerial predators, possibly deterring small animals from crossing. Our hypothesis posits that by looking at the locations of the herpetofauna and tarantulas found in Missouri glades, in comparison to nearby walking trails, we will see evidence that they may be avoiding such areas

Presentation Type

Visual Presentation

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

April 2023

Included in

Biology Commons

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