Microhabitat selection by golden mice (Ochrotomys nuttalli) at arboreal nest sites

We measured habitat characteristics at 34 arboreal nest sites of golden mic e (Ochrotomys nuttalli) and 34 paired random sites from May-Sept. 1997. Mic rohabitat was significantly different between the two types of sites. Arbor eal nest sites differed from random sites in 5 of the 12 habitat characteri stics measured including: more climbing vines and woody vegetation, greater horizontal vegetative cover as measured by a density board at a distance o f both 3 m and 6 m from the nest and closer to understory trees. The presen ce of thick vegetation at arboreal nest sites may provide increased protect ion from predators, increased substrate for attachment of nests, protection from inclement weather and thermoregulatory advantages. Management strateg ies that increase the density of understory vegetation in areas where golde n mice occur will enhance populations by improving nesting habitat and incr easing recruitment and survival.