User:Purple.peonies1/Northern bog lemming: Difference between revisions
Added an image of Synaptomys borealis. |
Added information to the distribution and habitat section, as well as the threats and conservation status and the conservation management plans. I also added an image of a painting of the northern bog lemmings. |
||
| Line 6: | Line 6: | ||
=== Article body === |
=== Article body === |
||
==Description== |
==Description== |
||
[[File:Synaptomys borealis.jpg|thumb|Painted depiction of the northern bog lemming (''Synaptomys borealis).'']] |
[[File:Synaptomys borealis.jpg|thumb|Painted depiction of the northern bog lemming (''Synaptomys borealis).'']] |
||
'''The northern bog lemming is a small, compact rodent in the [[Cricetidae]] family. With no specific [[Sexual dimorphism|sexual dimorphisms]], these lemmings have varying shades of brown, reddish-brown, and chestnut fur on the top, with gray to light brown fur on the bottom. Their fur is long and coarse.''' <ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Nicholas |first=Danielle |title=Synaptomys borealis (northern bog lemming) |url=https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Synaptomys_borealis/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Animal Diversity Web |language=en}}</ref> '''These lemmings have black beady eyes, a short tail, small ears, grey feet, and a small, flat nose.'''<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Northern Bog Lemming |url=https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/endangered/northernboglemming_26_27.pdf |website=MDIFW Endangered Species Program |format=PDF}}</ref> '''They are around 4.8 to 5.7 inches long with a tail that is usually shorter than 1 inch.'''<ref name=":1" /> '''They weigh around one ounce.'''<ref name=":2" /> |
'''The northern bog lemming is a small, compact rodent in the [[Cricetidae]] family. With no specific [[Sexual dimorphism|sexual dimorphisms]], these lemmings have varying shades of''' brown''', reddish-brown, and chestnut''' fur '''on the top, with gray to light brown fur on the bottom. Their fur is long and coarse.''' <ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Nicholas |first=Danielle |title=Synaptomys borealis (northern bog lemming) |url=https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Synaptomys_borealis/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Animal Diversity Web |language=en}}</ref> '''These lemmings have black beady''' eyes''',''' a short tail''', small ears, grey feet, and a small, flat nose.'''<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Northern Bog Lemming |url=https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/endangered/northernboglemming_26_27.pdf |website=MDIFW Endangered Species Program |format=PDF}}</ref> '''They are around 4.8 to 5.7 inches long with a tail that is usually shorter than 1 inch.'''<ref name=":1" /> '''They weigh around one ounce.'''<ref name=":2" /> |
||
=== D'''istinguishing Features''' === |
=== D'''istinguishing Features''' === |
||
'''Northern bog lemmings posses 16 thin, sharp teeth. They can be distinguished from other rodents by the distinct grooved markings on their top [[Incisor|incisors]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Webmaster |first=David Ratz |title=Northern Bog Lemming - Montana Field Guide |url=https://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=AMAFF17020 |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=fieldguide.mt.gov |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" />''' '''As they look extremely similar to the [[southern bog lemming]], one can distinguish them by looking at the base of the northern bog lemming's ears for rust-colored fur, something that the southern bog lemming lacks. Northern bog lemming females also have four pairs, or eight individual, nipples while southern bog lemming females only have three pairs.'''<ref name=":2" /> |
'''Northern bog lemmings posses''' 16 '''thin, sharp''' teeth'''. They can be distinguished from other rodents by the distinct grooved markings on their top [[Incisor|incisors]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Webmaster |first=David Ratz |title=Northern Bog Lemming - Montana Field Guide |url=https://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=AMAFF17020 |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=fieldguide.mt.gov |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" />''' '''As they look extremely similar to the [[southern bog lemming]], one can distinguish them by looking at''' the base of the '''northern bog lemming's''' ears '''for''' rust-colored '''fur, something that the southern bog lemming lacks. Northern bog lemming females also have four pairs, or eight individual, nipples while southern bog lemming females only have three pairs.'''<ref name=":2" /> |
||
==Distribution and habitat== |
==Distribution and habitat== |
||
These animals are found |
These animals are found '''native''' '''to''' wet northern forests, [[bog]]s, [[tundra]] and meadows in [[Canada]], [[Alaska]], northern [[Washington (state)|Washington]], [[Minnesota]], and [[New England]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=List of Species in Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) |url=https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/nrplanning/bigpicture/mnwap/appendix_c.pdf |website=MNSGCN}}</ref> '''By the St. Lawrence river in the Appalachian Mountains, a small population of northern bog lemmings can be found as well.'''<ref name=":1" /> '''Their habitat consists of bogs with sphagnum, as well as areas with bog like conditions. They are often found living in open areas around wet rocks and fallen logs, wet grassy areas, others mosses, and coniferous forests.'''<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> '''At almost all locations where they are found, there is usually some small water source present.'''<ref name=":2" /> |
||
== Diet == |
== Diet == |
||
'''The northern bog lemming is a [[Omnivore|omnivorous]] animal that primarily feeds on grasses, moss and [[Cyperaceae|sedge]]. Occasionally, they will eat insects, worms, slugs, snails or fungi. A common habit of these lemmings, which signifies their presence in an area, is that they create surface tunnels under vegetation to travel through and to forage in. They line these tunnels with piles of cut grass.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Synaptomys borealis : Northern Bog Lemming {{!}} Rare Species Guide |url=https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=AMAFF17020 |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=Minnesota Department of Natural Resources |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Northern bog lemming {{!}} Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife |url=https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/synaptomys-borealis#desc-range |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=wdfw.wa.gov |language=en}}</ref> They also leave behind green [[Feces|scat]].<ref name=":3" />''' |
'''The northern bog lemming is a [[Omnivore|omnivorous]] animal that primarily feeds on''' grasses, moss and [[Cyperaceae|sedge]]. '''Occasionally, they will eat insects, worms, slugs,''' snails '''or fungi. A common habit of these lemmings, which signifies their presence in an area, is that they create surface tunnels under vegetation to travel through and to forage in. They line these tunnels with piles of cut grass.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Synaptomys borealis : Northern Bog Lemming {{!}} Rare Species Guide |url=https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=AMAFF17020 |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=Minnesota Department of Natural Resources |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Northern bog lemming {{!}} Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife |url=https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/synaptomys-borealis#desc-range |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=wdfw.wa.gov |language=en}}</ref> They also leave behind''' green '''[[Feces|scat]].<ref name=":3" />''' |
||
==Behavior and Ecology== |
==Behavior and Ecology== |
||
'''These lemmings are [[Cathemerality|cathemeral]] mammals, which means they are active at different times during the day and the night, and they do not [[Hibernation|hibernate]].'''<ref name=":3" /> '''As they have been observed to be extremely sociable with others of their species, they often form colonies. They also do not move habitat throughout the year and stay in the same [[home range]] for the majority of their lives.'''<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":2" /> '''On top of building their own tunnels under vegetation and under the surface of the ground, northern bog lemmings often shares habitat with other rodents and will use their tunnels as well.'''<ref name=":3" /> '''Rodents that northern bog lemming's share habitat with include meadow voles (''Microtus pennsylvanicus),'' and northern short tailed shrews (''Blarina brevicauda).''''' <ref name=":4" /> |
'''These lemmings are [[Cathemerality|cathemeral]] mammals, which means they are''' active '''at different times during the''' day and '''the''' night''', and they do not [[Hibernation|hibernate]].'''<ref name=":3" /> '''As they have been observed to be extremely sociable with others of their species, they often form colonies. They also do not move habitat throughout the year and stay in the same [[home range]] for the majority of their lives.'''<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":2" /> '''On top of building their own tunnels under vegetation and under the surface of the ground, northern bog lemmings often shares habitat with other rodents and will use their tunnels as well.'''<ref name=":3" /> '''Rodents that northern bog lemming's share habitat with include meadow voles (''Microtus pennsylvanicus),'' and northern short tailed shrews (''Blarina brevicauda).''''' <ref name=":4" /> |
||
'''During the spring, summer and fall when there is no snow cover, northern bog lemmings are most active below the earth's surface due to threats of predators. During this time, they live in burrows built underground, under fallen logs or in [[Sphagnum|sphagnum moss]]. Northern bog lemmings are active above ground most of the winter season as the risk of coming into contact with predators is lower. In this season, they build their nests between the snow and the ground layer. Their nests are built from the grasses, dried leaves, moss, and sedges they find in their habitat, as well as their own fur, and are spherical in shape.'''<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" /> |
'''During the spring, summer and fall when there is no snow cover, northern bog lemmings are most active below the earth's surface due to threats of predators. During this time, they live in''' burrows '''built underground, under fallen logs or in [[Sphagnum|sphagnum moss]]. Northern bog lemmings are active above ground most of the winter season as the risk of coming into contact with predators is lower. In this season, they build their nests between the''' snow '''and the ground layer. Their nests are built from the grasses, dried leaves, moss, and sedges they find in their habitat, as well as their own fur, and are spherical in shape.'''<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" /> |
||
=== Reproduction === |
=== Reproduction === |
||
| Line 36: | Line 33: | ||
== Threats and Conservation Status == |
== Threats and Conservation Status == |
||
'''The northern bog lemming's habitat has been decreasing in a northwards direction. Due to their scattered, small populations found in isolated areas, it is believed by the state of Minnesota that there is almost no [[gene flow]] between northern bog lemming populations.'''<ref name=":3" /> '''This lack of gene flow between these small populations can cause them over time to loose [[genetic diversity]] and be more susceptible to [[genetic drift]] and [[inbreeding depression]]. This means that when experiencing environmental or anthropogenic disturbances, such as droughts, [[climate change]], habitat loss, or [[Habitat destruction|habitat degradation]], these populations may be less likely to bounce back and may experience total die-offs.'''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-12-07 |title=8.7: Problems of Small Populations |url=https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Ecology/Conservation_Biology_in_Sub-Saharan_Africa_(Wilson_and_Primack)/08:_Extinction_is_Forever/8.07:_Problems_of_Small_Populations#:~:text=As%20populations%20decline%20in%20size,environmental%20stochasticity,%20and%20demographic%20stochasticity. |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=Biology LibreTexts |language=en}}</ref> '''Additional threats to the northern bog lemming may include competition with other species as habitat area decreases, habitat loss and degradation due to logging, infrastructure building, and human recreational activities, as well as threats of pollution and climate change.'''<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":3" /> |
|||
They are listed as "Species of Special Concern" for protection and preservation by the State of Minnesota <ref name=":0" /> |
|||
'''The northern bog lemming is listed as a species of "Least Concern" by the [[IUCN Red List]] since 2016.'''<ref>{{Cite report |url=http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/42638/0 |title=Synaptomys borealis: Cassola, F.: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T42638A22377185 |last=IUCN |date=2016-09-19 |publisher=International Union for Conservation of Nature |doi=10.2305/iucn.uk.2017-2.rlts.t42638a22377185.en. accessed on 26 october 2024. |language=en}}</ref> '''They are''' listed as "Species of Special Concern" for protection and preservation by the State of Minnesota, '''and on a federal level, their status is still being considered'''.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Minnesota Profile: Northern bog lemming (Synaptomys borealis) {{!}} September–October 2022 {{!}} Minnesota Conservation Volunteer |url=https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mcvmagazine/issues/2022/sep-oct/profile.html#:~:text=Uncommon%20wherever%20it%20is%20found,about%205%C2%BD%20inches%20in%20length. |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=Minnesota Department of Natural Resources |language=en}}</ref> '''Other states where the northern bog lemming is considered threatened includes Maine.'''<ref name=":2" /> |
|||
== Conservation Management Plans == |
== Conservation Management Plans == |
||
x |
x |
||
'''While no specific plan had been put in place for the northern bog lemming alone, federal protections and management plans applied to peatlands could help this species inadvertently. Through designating certain peatlands as [[Research Natural Area|Research Natural Areas]], or RNAs, the [[United States Department of Agriculture|U.S.D.A]] [[United States Forest Service|Forest service]] bans activities that degrade and pollute peatlands, such as logging, filling, building, livestock grazing and some human recreational activities, which could save a vital habitat for northern bog lemmings.'''<ref name=":4" /> '''Research natural areas are maintained by the forest service and are managed in ways that protects their natural conditions and important ecological services.'''<ref>{{Cite journal |date=2023-01-17 |title=NRS Research Natural Areas |url=https://research.fs.usda.gov/nrs/rnas |language=en}}</ref> |
|||
Revision as of 19:08, 26 October 2024
 | This is the sandbox page where you will draft your initial Wikipedia contribution.
If you're starting a new article, you can develop it here until it's ready to go live. If you're working on improvements to an existing article, copy only one section at a time of the article to this sandbox to work on, and be sure to use an edit summary linking to the article you copied from. Do not copy over the entire article. You can find additional instructions here. Remember to save your work regularly using the "Publish page" button. (It just means 'save'; it will still be in the sandbox.) You can add bold formatting to your additions to differentiate them from existing content. |
Article Draft
Lead
Article body
Description
The northern bog lemming is a small, compact rodent in the Cricetidae family. With no specific sexual dimorphisms, these lemmings have varying shades of brown, reddish-brown, and chestnut fur on the top, with gray to light brown fur on the bottom. Their fur is long and coarse. [1] These lemmings have black beady eyes, a short tail, small ears, grey feet, and a small, flat nose.[2] They are around 4.8 to 5.7 inches long with a tail that is usually shorter than 1 inch.[1] They weigh around one ounce.[2]
Distinguishing Features
Northern bog lemmings posses 16 thin, sharp teeth. They can be distinguished from other rodents by the distinct grooved markings on their top incisors.[3][1] As they look extremely similar to the southern bog lemming, one can distinguish them by looking at the base of the northern bog lemming's ears for rust-colored fur, something that the southern bog lemming lacks. Northern bog lemming females also have four pairs, or eight individual, nipples while southern bog lemming females only have three pairs.[2]
Distribution and habitat
These animals are found native to wet northern forests, bogs, tundra and meadows in Canada, Alaska, northern Washington, Minnesota, and New England.[4] By the St. Lawrence river in the Appalachian Mountains, a small population of northern bog lemmings can be found as well.[1] Their habitat consists of bogs with sphagnum, as well as areas with bog like conditions. They are often found living in open areas around wet rocks and fallen logs, wet grassy areas, others mosses, and coniferous forests.[2][5] At almost all locations where they are found, there is usually some small water source present.[2]
Diet
The northern bog lemming is a omnivorous animal that primarily feeds on grasses, moss and sedge. Occasionally, they will eat insects, worms, slugs, snails or fungi. A common habit of these lemmings, which signifies their presence in an area, is that they create surface tunnels under vegetation to travel through and to forage in. They line these tunnels with piles of cut grass.[1][5][6] They also leave behind green scat.[5]
Behavior and Ecology
These lemmings are cathemeral mammals, which means they are active at different times during the day and the night, and they do not hibernate.[5] As they have been observed to be extremely sociable with others of their species, they often form colonies. They also do not move habitat throughout the year and stay in the same home range for the majority of their lives.[3][2] On top of building their own tunnels under vegetation and under the surface of the ground, northern bog lemmings often shares habitat with other rodents and will use their tunnels as well.[5] Rodents that northern bog lemming's share habitat with include meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus), and northern short tailed shrews (Blarina brevicauda). [3]
During the spring, summer and fall when there is no snow cover, northern bog lemmings are most active below the earth's surface due to threats of predators. During this time, they live in burrows built underground, under fallen logs or in sphagnum moss. Northern bog lemmings are active above ground most of the winter season as the risk of coming into contact with predators is lower. In this season, they build their nests between the snow and the ground layer. Their nests are built from the grasses, dried leaves, moss, and sedges they find in their habitat, as well as their own fur, and are spherical in shape.[1][5][2]
Reproduction
At ages of five or 6 weeks, northern bog lemmings are thought to be sexually mature.[5] Females tend to have more than one litter per season and each litter contains anywhere from two to eight offspring. The season for breeding for the northern bog lemming is thought to be from the spring (May) to early fall (end of August). The average size of a litter is thought to be four to five offspring[1] and they are born blind, without fur and are altricial.[2]
Communication
Northern Bog lemmings use touch, scent markings, and other chemical signaling to communicate. They strategically leave scent markers throughout their tunnels in the form of feces to let other animals know their tunnels are currently occupied by them and in active use. Tunnels that do not include scent markings or grass clippings have been abandoned by lemmings.[1]
Predators
Northern bog lemmings have a variety of predators. Their predators include any larger mammal that eats smaller mammals (like owls, pine martens (Martes martes), and weasels), as well as predatory raptors such as hawks, and other predators such as snakes.[5][3][2]
Threats and Conservation Status
The northern bog lemming's habitat has been decreasing in a northwards direction. Due to their scattered, small populations found in isolated areas, it is believed by the state of Minnesota that there is almost no gene flow between northern bog lemming populations.[5] This lack of gene flow between these small populations can cause them over time to loose genetic diversity and be more susceptible to genetic drift and inbreeding depression. This means that when experiencing environmental or anthropogenic disturbances, such as droughts, climate change, habitat loss, or habitat degradation, these populations may be less likely to bounce back and may experience total die-offs.[7] Additional threats to the northern bog lemming may include competition with other species as habitat area decreases, habitat loss and degradation due to logging, infrastructure building, and human recreational activities, as well as threats of pollution and climate change.[2][3][5]
The northern bog lemming is listed as a species of "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List since 2016.[8] They are listed as "Species of Special Concern" for protection and preservation by the State of Minnesota, and on a federal level, their status is still being considered.[4][9] Other states where the northern bog lemming is considered threatened includes Maine.[2]
Conservation Management Plans
x
While no specific plan had been put in place for the northern bog lemming alone, federal protections and management plans applied to peatlands could help this species inadvertently. Through designating certain peatlands as Research Natural Areas, or RNAs, the U.S.D.A Forest service bans activities that degrade and pollute peatlands, such as logging, filling, building, livestock grazing and some human recreational activities, which could save a vital habitat for northern bog lemmings.[3] Research natural areas are maintained by the forest service and are managed in ways that protects their natural conditions and important ecological services.[10]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h Nicholas, Danielle. "Synaptomys borealis (northern bog lemming)". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Northern Bog Lemming" (PDF). MDIFW Endangered Species Program.
- ^ a b c d e f Webmaster, David Ratz. "Northern Bog Lemming - Montana Field Guide". fieldguide.mt.gov. Retrieved 2024-10-15.
- ^ a b "List of Species in Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN)" (PDF). MNSGCN.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Synaptomys borealis : Northern Bog Lemming | Rare Species Guide". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ "Northern bog lemming | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife". wdfw.wa.gov. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ "8.7: Problems of Small Populations". Biology LibreTexts. 2019-12-07. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
- ^ IUCN (2016-09-19). Synaptomys borealis: Cassola, F.: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T42638A22377185 (Report). International Union for Conservation of Nature. doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2017-2.rlts.t42638a22377185.en. accessed on 26 october 2024.
{{cite report}}: Check|doi=value (help) - ^ "Minnesota Profile: Northern bog lemming (Synaptomys borealis) | September–October 2022 | Minnesota Conservation Volunteer". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
- ^ "NRS Research Natural Areas". 2023-01-17.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help)