Chapter 17 



Terrestrial 



Mammals 



Author: Craig Ferris 



The group of mammals discussed in this chapter, collectively termed 

 terrestrial mammals, includes 52 species representing several diverse orders: 

 marsupials, bats, shrews and moles, rabbits and hares, rodents, carnivores, 

 and hoofed mammals (table 17-1). Mammals are integral components of the 

 terrestrial systems in the characterization area and are important to humanity 

 for economic, recreational, and aesthetic reasons. No species are endangered 

 or threatened but many are faced with shrinking habitats because of land 

 development along the coast; their welfare should be an important 

 consideration for regional planners. 



The term "terrestrial" mammals is not entirely correct, since several species 

 (e.g., beaver, otter) spend much of their time in the water. The term is used 

 to distinguish the species discussed in this chapter from the marine mammals 

 (seals, whales and porpoises) discussed in chapter 13. Mammals use 

 terrestrial habitats ranging from urban areas and rural farmland to mature 

 forests and most freshwater wetlands (palustrine, lacustrine, riverine; table 

 17-2). Mammals interact with other animals and plants through food chains, 

 both as consumers and as prey. They influence plant species composition and 

 distribution by consuming seeds and plant material; and they modify entire 

 habitats (e.g., beavers). 



Forty-four species of mammals are found within all six regions of the 

 characterization area, while eight others are found in only some of the 

 regions (Godin 1977; table 17-3). With the exception of three species of bats 

 that migrate south during winter, mammals are year round residents. 



Many species of terrestrial mammals found along the Maine coast have a direct 

 relationship to humanity. Ten species are hunted for sport and 13 are trapped 

 for fur. A few species (i.e., deer, bear, raccoon) cause economic losses from 

 crop depredations. Mammals are also of aesthetic and scientific interest to 

 humanity. In turn, people affect mammals. People alter the amount and 

 quality of available habitat through, logging, agriculture, development, fire, 

 wetland drainage, and stream channelization; and directly or indirectly alter 

 mortality rates among mammals through hunting, trapping, poisoning, and 

 accidental killing. 



17-1 



10-80 



