representative plant communities* Succession and weather data were also recorded. 



The vegetation map of the research area, begun in 19^» was completed. 

 It will provide basic information on the distribution of vegetation types, which 

 will be -useful for other studies. 



A series of projects was begun in 19^5 to study fluctuations in popul- 

 ations of forest birds, and determine differences in species composition and 

 population density in various forest types. A plot prepared in an aspen stand 

 was used in 195^ to provide a population estimate in this type of forest. 



A part of the information required relating to the ecology of small 

 mammals — life-history, habits, population changes, and habitat — pertains to 

 that important little creature, the deer mouse. In 195^ j trapping on the 

 permanently established lines shov/ed that the survival of deer mice during the 

 winter had been Mgh, and mortality of young born in the spring had also been 

 high. The population estimate was double that of the previous year. 



The low percentage of recaptures of beaver in the live-trapping program 

 continues to indicate a liigh population turnover in areas of poor food supply. 

 Sufficient data have been collected to show the sex and age ratios of colonies, 

 as well as the physical character of dams and ponds. 



An intensive investigation of food utilization in two colonies of 

 beavers was continued. Aerial photos were taken of conditions surrounding 12 

 colonies in 195^» The work so far suggests that much of the beaver range in 

 Algonquin Park is marginal and deteriorating, because of poor regeneration of 

 favoured foods, forest succession and very high beaver population. Sex and age 

 ratios suggest unstable colonies and transiency. 



The new marten tagging techniques, developed in 1953, were proven 

 effective in 195^ by the better recaptxire record. This improvement assures of 

 more reliable data in the futxire on movements of marten in the intensive study 

 of the distribution and movements of this valuable fur -bearer. 



Wildlife Habitat Improvement 



Previous work on an experimental plantation of seven species of Lespedeza 

 located at the Southern Research Station showed that only one, L.bicolour natob . 

 produced seed. Experimentation was started last year with this species in the 

 hope that it will have a place in habitat improvement in southern Ontario latitudes. 



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