The influence of linear feature width on small mammal communities in northeastern Alberta

Anthropogenic linear features, such as seismic lines, pipelines, and powerlines, are widespread in the boreal forests of western Canada. Although these corridors are widely recognized as drivers of habitat loss and fragmentation, the extent of their impact is likely depending on their width. Understanding how linear feature width influences small mammal communities is important for informing more effective management and restoration efforts. We deployed remote cameras at 354 sites across a gradient of soft (vegetated) linear feature widths (3–150 m) and paired each site with forest interior control sites. We recorded twelve small mammal species. Community-level analyses showed that forest-affiliated species were associated with narrower features and forest interiors whereas open habitat species showed the opposite pattern. Species-specific models indicated that four of nine analyzed species showed significant negative responses to increasing width. No species showed a significant positive response to width. Contrary to expectations, wider features were not more likely to be occupied by early-successional species but showed reduced overall small mammal use. Our findings indicate that wide linear features may act as ecological barriers for small mammals and suggest that minimizing linear feature width and/or promoting revegetation could mitigate impacts on small mammals in the boreal forest.