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Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Biology
Date of Award
8-2001
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Fred J. Alsop III
Committee Members
Dan M. Johnson, Foster Levy
Abstract
The most prominent cause of habitat fragmentation is intensification of human land use. Negative effects of large-scale forest fragmentation have been documented in most vertebrate classes. The inherent problem in directly documenting effects lies in our ignorance of historical community structure.
Information from this study provides baseline data on vertebrates within threatened habitat. This privately-owned block of uninterrupted forest has never been systematically surveyed by biologists. Changes in ownership have placed the integrity of this interior forest habitat in doubt. This research may provide the foundation for long-term studies of the effects of fragmentation within forests of the Southern Appalachians.
A total of 50 visits were made between April 1998 and July 2000. Documentation of 109 species of vertebrates was established, representing 4 reptile species, 19 amphibian species, 72 bird species, and 12 mammal species. Although no procedure for documenting fishes was implemented, 2 species from this class were identified.
Document Type
Thesis - restricted
Recommended Citation
Welch, J. Michael, "Vertebrate Survey of Rocky Fork Wildlife Management Area, Unicoi and Greene Counties, Tennessee." (2001). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 34. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/34
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.