The effect of distance from roads and trails on animal species composition in the Sonoran Desert

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Michael Bogan, Alexandra Burnett and Jesus Bustamante, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, Jesus Bustamante, DDCSP Collaborative University of Arizona, Jesus Bustamante, ESA Seeds Program

Background/Question/Methods
Human development can affect ecosystem functioning, including the diversity and abundance of species present at a location. For example, roads pave over habitat, can block the movement of animals, and can lead to direct mortality via vehicle-animal collisions. Even paved pedestrian trails and associated human activities (e.g. littering, noise) may affect land usage by sensitive animals. The objective of this study was to assess patterns of animal abundance and diversity at differing distances from roads and recreation trails on an urban hill in the Sonoran Desert (Tumamoc Hill, Tucson, AZ, USA). To assess animal abundance and diversity, we set up camera traps at three different locations on Tumamoc Hill at different proximities to roads and trails. The camera traps gathered data for approximately six months and the photos were processed and analyzed using the TimeLapse software. We hypothesized that there would be higher diversity and abundance of animals with increasing distance from trails and roads on Tumamoc Hill.
Results/Conclusions
In our preliminary findings, we have observed no patterns in species diversity or abundances and distance to trails and roads. However, we have documented differences in these factors among our three sites. For example, we have found a higher abundance of coyotes (Canis latrans), javelina (Pecari tajacu), and Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii) in lower elevation sites compared to the highest elevation site. Additionally, we have observed higher species diversity at the highest elevation site. Processing of our remaining photos will help us solidify our findings and see if these preliminary patterns continue to hold. We hope that these results may help managers at Tumamoc Hill create or improve wildlife management plans for the hill and better understand potential impacts of roads and trails.