VERTEBRATE USE OF HABITATS CREATED BY INSTALLATION OF FIELD-SCALE EROSION CONTROL-STRUCTURES

Installation of field-scale erosion control structures or drop pipes i s a common method for controling knickpoint gully erosion in fields ad jacent to incised streams. These structures transfer runoff water from field level to stream level through a metal drain pipe. The shape of the gully side collection basin at the pipe inlet allows small terrest rial and wetland habitats to develop with associated shallow pools tha t may be permanently or seasonally flooded. This study evaluated verte brate use of habitats created by the installation of drop pipes. Four different habitats were categorized based on water depth and surroundi ng vegetation. Category 1 habitat has the smallest temporary pool, lea st vegetative structure, and is a terrestrial habitat. Categories cons ecutively increase to Category 4 which has the deepest pool, most vege tative structure, and is a wetland habitat. Study sites were surveyed for the five major vertebrate classes. Mean species richness and perce ntage capture abundance for all vertebrate classes increased from Cate gory 1 habitats to Category 3 or 4 habitats. In all drop pipe habitat categories, amphibians had the highest percent capture abundance, fish were second, birds were third, mammals were fourth, and reptiles had the lowest percent capture abundance.