BULLETIN FLORIDA MUSEUM NATURAL HISTORY VOL. 38 PT. 11(8)


length, and right hind foot length. Data were also collected on gender, age class
(adult or juvenile), and reproductive condition. Ectoparasites were evaluated and
collected. Animals were initially marked with ear tags (#1L, National Band and
Tag Company, Newport, KY), but were later marked with ear notches using a
standard numbering system, due to problems with infections.
 Traps were placed at 15-20 m intervals along 400 m strip transects near
vegetation, logs, and in brushpiles. Transects were established parallel to lake
edges due to the linear nature of the study sites. The two parallel strip transects
were set on random compass bearings, intersecting microhabitats and ecotonal
areas. Trapping effort was systematically varied throughout the 16-month study
period, corresponding to twice per month in each study site. Trapping schedule
was 4-5 days per session. In addition to trapping on transects, den sites were
trapped.
 Ecological densities, defined as the number of individuals per unit habitat,
were calculated as the minimum number of animals known alive (MNKA) per
hectare (capture of the total population could never be assumed). Density was
calculated as the number of individuals captured per unit area. Total area was
calculated using aerial photos.
 I also evaluated 42 woodrat dens for 21 structural and vegetative
characteristics in all three habitat types. At each den measurements were taken on:
location of den, substrate species, height, DBH (diameter basal height), cover,
distance to water, and debris at den.
 Selected individuals were equipped with 10 gram radio collars. Transmitters
and collars consisted of a small mercury oxide hearing aid battery, an electrical
board, and a rubberized collar, which was covered with epoxy and electrical tape.
The total weight of the transmitter and collar was less than 5% of the total body
weight.
 A total of 27 animals (16 males and 11 females) were radiotracked.
Individual animals were tracked for periods varying from two weeks to six months.
Telemetry data were collected from 1800 to 0600 EST. To obtain data on activity
periods, a reading was taken on each animal every two hours. Animals were
radiotracked by triangulation and the "homing in" technique (Harris et al. 1990).
The latter method was primarily used in daylight hours when animals were in their
dens. Data recorded using triangulation were: date, individual animal and
frequency; time, station number, and location; azimuth; and animal activity. The
estimated degree of error with triangulation was 7.25 m, forming a relatively small
error radius around the estimated location of the animal.
 Home range data were analyzed using the minimum convex polygon (MCP)
and modified concave polygon methods (COC). The MCP is the 'total area of
activity' following Burt (1943). The COC is the core area, or "central area of
consistent or intense use" (Kaufmann 1962) whereby 50% of the maximum
distance between points is utilized (Michener 1979). The concept of center of
activity in home range analysis (Harris, et al. 1990) is simplified with woodrats,