Small mammal populations in riparian zones of different aged coniferous forests

Small mammals were trapped in riparian zones in young, mature, andold-growth coniferous forests during spring and summer of 1983. Peromyscus manicu-latus was the most abundant species and comprised 76% and 83% of the total capturesduring spring and summer, respectively. More species, but fewer individuals, werecaptured on the streamside transects in comparison to the riparian fringe transects,which were 15-20 m from the stream. Six species of Insectivora, including five speciesof Sorex, were captured in these riparian zones. No species was solely dependent onriparian zones in old-growth forests; however, additional studies are needed to definethe specific habitat requirements of Sorex bendirii, Sorex palustris, Neurotrichus gibbsii,Phenacomys albipes, and Microtus richardsoni.