Microhabitat Selection by Small Mammals

Abstract

Habitat selection is the process by which individuals choose among available habitat patches. Habitat availability as how accessible and procurable physical and biological components of a habitat are to animals. Research on small mammal habitat use helps to broaden their knowledge. Small mammals are often used as an indicator species group to reflect some aspects of integrity. Small mammal abundances are affected by both macro-and micro-habitat structures. Studies on patterns of habitat use by mammals are important for understanding the mechanisms involved in their distribution and abundance. This paper provided a brief critical review on the microhabitat selection by rodents. Reviewing literature, it is found that approximately most of researchers have been mentioned that microhabitat features such as food availability, predation risk, temperature, status of moonlight… are important in determining the variety and abundance of small mammals.