Small rodents and shrews comprise a large proportion of the mammalian diversity of Utah. Many have specialized habitat needs and are highly sensitive to environmental changes. Beyond their own conservation concerns, these species also form the prey base for many species of mammalian and avian carnivores. The lack of information on the distribution and population of these small mammal species prevented us from adequately identifying and addressing potential threats to continued sustainability. Although we have greatly increased our knowledge of many species, the small, secretive, nocturnal, and overall cryptic nature of small mammals makes management difficult. While assessing species for the 2025 WAP revision, it has become abundantly apparent that more information is needed to manage shrews and rodents. Thus, many of those species will be included as SGINs. It has been many years since small rodents and shrews have received targeted funding and attention, and this project will support data collection to provide information vital to management. Focal species: Dark kangaroo mouse; Stephens' woodrat; Rare shrews- Preble's shrew, Merriam's shrew, Dwarf shrew, Water shrew, Inyo shrew, Desert shrew; Great Salt Lake endemic small mammal subspecies

Ultimately, the objective is to keep species common and generate data that would support a "not-warranted" finding if a species were petitioned. Specific aims of this project include: * Identify mammalian diversity "hot spots" for focused conservation. * Capture and collect genetic information from pocket gophers to develop EDNA assays. * Improve our knowledge on the distribution and habitat requirements of shrews. * Inventory the small mammal fauna of islands in the Great Salt Lake. * Enhance our knowledge of the distribution, abundance, and threats facing the dark kangaroo mouse -- information that would be vital in support of a species status assessment.

Small mammal populations can have erratic dynamics and quickly increase population size in line with resource availability. As Utah has emerged from prolonged drought in the last two years, we anticipate small mammals may be approaching population peaks or "booms" and contribute to project success.

This information fills data gaps and conservation needs identified in the 2015 Wildlife Action Plan and supports the development and implementation of the UWAP revision. It also supports BLM Resource Management Plans and DOD INRMPs.

Research has shown that the cheatgrass/fire cycle greatly reduced small mammal diversity. This work will identify sites with intact rodent communities to prioritize from fire and other disturbance.

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UDWR has the authority to carry out this project.

The UDWR zoologist will work with regional conservation biologists to develop specific plans with species targets and trapping locations. He will also prepare region-specific identification keys and provide training to UDWR biologists and technicians. Field methods: we will trap focal species using the following methods: Sherman traps -- For small rodents, sampling will consist of setting transects of Sherman live traps baited with a seed mixture. Traps will be checked each morning before temperatures reach 80 degrees to decrease the likelihood of mortality related to heat in the trap. Traps will be closed during the day to prevent non-target animals (primarily sciurids) from entering the trap during the heat of the day. If nighttime temperatures are expected to be colder than 5 C, each trap will be equipped with 5 g of polyfil batting (i.e., nesting material) to decrease the likelihood of exposure by captured animals. Pitfall traps- Shrews are most successfully captured in pitfall traps fashioned from aluminum cans sunk in the ground. Traps will be set in areas of high mammal activity such as runways, stream edges, or near downed logs. As shrew identification is specialized work requiring inspection of skull characteristics, collected specimens will be euthanized and preserved. Because of the non-species-specific nature of small mammal trapping, in addition to focal species, we will also capture important information on the structure of small mammals population in general. All data will be complied and submitted for inclusion in Natural Heritage databases.

Species monitoring is a key component of the proposal. Information on SCGN population status and response to conservation actions is vital to guide management and inform Species Status Assessments.

We have worked closely with land managers and biologists from the DOD, BLM and USFS on mammal SGCN inventory, monitoring, and management. We will also work with State Parks and Forestry, Fire, and State Lands on Great Salt Lake island studies.

This project will contribute to the understanding and management of SGCN and SGIN small mammal species as well as key habitats. Greater understanding of the threats to these species will provide guidance for threat abatement and future conservation programs. As a result, conflicts associated with human activities and these species/habitats may be reduced or mitigated; by meeting project objectives, conservation of SGCN species may be achieved without the need for listing under ESA.

Implementation of conservation measures for small mammals will maintain healthy wildlife populations on the landscape while allowing sustainable uses of natural resources in most cases.