Assessing the influence of a non-native burrowing meso-mammal on thermal heterogeneity
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Wildlife Conservation & Biology: Wildlife Biology Track
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
J. Matthew Carroll, PhD
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation - Murray State Access only
Abstract/Description
Assessing the influence of a non-native burrowing meso-mammal on thermal heterogeneity
Smith, S., and J.M. Carroll
Department of Biological Sciences, Murray State University, Murray, KY, USA, 42071
Nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus; hereafter armadillos) are considered invasive burrowing meso-mammals in North America and are undergoing a rapid northward range expansion into Kentucky, USA. Although many burrowing species are considered ecosystem engineers, as relatively new inhabitants of Kentucky, the ecological impacts of armadillos are unclear. Armadillos construct burrows that may alter microclimates available for other species, yet detailed depictions of thermal variability in burrows are scarce. The objectives of the proposed research are to, 1) quantify and characterize microclimates occurring in armadillo burrows, and 2) compare thermal conditions in burrows along latitudinal gradients to better understand the thermal consequences of further armadillo range expansion. Focusing on sites in western Tennessee, western Kentucky, and southern Indiana, this project aims to assess burrow microclimate across a latitudinal gradient that generally matches the spatial coverage of armadillo range expansion in the region. Pilot data collected from infrared thermography in winter 2026 (n = 8 burrows) demonstrated that burrows moderated thermal environments by up to 10.59°C on average compared to ground-surface microsites (i.e., < 1 meter from burrows). Temperatures varied from -1.69 – 6.62°C, -0.72 – 7.34°C, 2.48 – 8.12°C, and -3.45 – 21.64°C in the burrow opening, tunnel, chamber terminus, and at the ground-surface, respectively. Preliminary findings show how burrows can modulate microclimate compared to the ground- surface and contribute to thermal heterogeneity operating across space and time. Additional data will be collected in winter and summer 2026 to help inform the understanding thermal landscapes in Kentucky concomitant to the range expansion of a non-native burrowing meso- mammal.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Watershed Studies Institute Research Symposium
Assessing the influence of a non-native burrowing meso-mammal on thermal heterogeneity
Assessing the influence of a non-native burrowing meso-mammal on thermal heterogeneity
Smith, S., and J.M. Carroll
Department of Biological Sciences, Murray State University, Murray, KY, USA, 42071
Nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus; hereafter armadillos) are considered invasive burrowing meso-mammals in North America and are undergoing a rapid northward range expansion into Kentucky, USA. Although many burrowing species are considered ecosystem engineers, as relatively new inhabitants of Kentucky, the ecological impacts of armadillos are unclear. Armadillos construct burrows that may alter microclimates available for other species, yet detailed depictions of thermal variability in burrows are scarce. The objectives of the proposed research are to, 1) quantify and characterize microclimates occurring in armadillo burrows, and 2) compare thermal conditions in burrows along latitudinal gradients to better understand the thermal consequences of further armadillo range expansion. Focusing on sites in western Tennessee, western Kentucky, and southern Indiana, this project aims to assess burrow microclimate across a latitudinal gradient that generally matches the spatial coverage of armadillo range expansion in the region. Pilot data collected from infrared thermography in winter 2026 (n = 8 burrows) demonstrated that burrows moderated thermal environments by up to 10.59°C on average compared to ground-surface microsites (i.e., < 1 meter from burrows). Temperatures varied from -1.69 – 6.62°C, -0.72 – 7.34°C, 2.48 – 8.12°C, and -3.45 – 21.64°C in the burrow opening, tunnel, chamber terminus, and at the ground-surface, respectively. Preliminary findings show how burrows can modulate microclimate compared to the ground- surface and contribute to thermal heterogeneity operating across space and time. Additional data will be collected in winter and summer 2026 to help inform the understanding thermal landscapes in Kentucky concomitant to the range expansion of a non-native burrowing meso- mammal.