Documenting Mammalian Biodiversity at the Murray State University Easley Conservation Stewardship Area
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Wildlife Bio/Zoo Conservation
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Andrea Darracq
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Monitoring wildlife is an important part of conservation. We conducted a survey using trail cameras at Murray State University’s newly donated Easley Conservation Stewardship Area. The survey consisted of 18 knee height trail cams to capture mesomammals and 15 custom small mammal bucket cams. We calculated relative abundance index (RAI), naïve occupancy, chao1 richness estimation, and diel activity patterns. The chao1 estimated a richness of 35, while the observed richness was 29. The most common species were white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginiana) and northern raccoon (Procyon lotor). We detected several unexpected species, however, such as bobcats (Lynx rufus), North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), and a martin (Martes sp.). Diel activity yielded insight on environmental stressors, competition, and predator-prey relationships. This study provides framework for future monitoring and research.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Honors College Senior Thesis Presentations
Documenting Mammalian Biodiversity at the Murray State University Easley Conservation Stewardship Area
Monitoring wildlife is an important part of conservation. We conducted a survey using trail cameras at Murray State University’s newly donated Easley Conservation Stewardship Area. The survey consisted of 18 knee height trail cams to capture mesomammals and 15 custom small mammal bucket cams. We calculated relative abundance index (RAI), naïve occupancy, chao1 richness estimation, and diel activity patterns. The chao1 estimated a richness of 35, while the observed richness was 29. The most common species were white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginiana) and northern raccoon (Procyon lotor). We detected several unexpected species, however, such as bobcats (Lynx rufus), North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), and a martin (Martes sp.). Diel activity yielded insight on environmental stressors, competition, and predator-prey relationships. This study provides framework for future monitoring and research.