Rare, endangered, and recently extirpated mammals in Oregon

• Main Author: Olterman, James Howard
• Other Authors: Verts, B. J., Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University. Graduate School
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English; unknown
• Published: Oregon State University
• Subjects: Rare animals; Canis lupus; Ursus arctos; Bison bison bison; Lynx
• Online Access: https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/d217qr78p

This paper lists, and gives individual accounts of, those Oregon mammals that at some time have been referred to as being of a status other than common. Although rare and endangered wildlife species were listed on a national level in the United States, the large areas of land included in the range of some species often allow population changes in local areas to go undetected. Several authorities have recognized the need for local and regional studies to determine the status of wildlife species. No comprehensive study of the mammals of Oregon has been conducted since 1936. I reviewed the available literature concerning Oregon mammals and compiled a working list of species. All species that were referred to as "uncommon, rare, or scarce" were included for additional study. Specimens deposited in museum and personal collections were examined and the date and location of collection of specimens of each species under investigation were recorded. Collection sites of specimens were depicted on maps. Mammalogists, game biologists, naturalists, trappers, and outdoorsmen having knowledge of Oregon mammals were interviewed, and asked to comment on the current distribution and abundance of the species with which they were familiar. Information from all sources was used to develop criteria for placing each species into one of the following categories: recently extirpated, endangered, rare, status undetermined, or not presently rare or endangered. Mammals were classified as follows: Mammals recently extirpated from Oregon; grizzly bear (Ursus arctos), wolf (Canis lupus), bison (Bison bison). Endangered mammals in Oregon; Richardson ground squirrel (Spermophilus richardsoni), kit fox (Vulpes macrotis), sea otter (Enhydra lutris), wolverine (Gulo luscus), lynx (Lynx canadensis), Columbian white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus leucurus). Rare mammals in Oregon; Maiheur shrew (Sorex preblei), Merriam shrew (Sorex merriami), Ashland shrew (Sorex trigonirostris), Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis), white-footed ...