Summer 2013 Wildlife Survey Results

Introduction Increasingly, ecologists are recognizing the range of benefits provided by the biodiversity found in cities (Dearborn & Kark 2010; Blaustein 2013). Because of the importance of urban biodiversity, it is vital that we gain a better understanding of which species are actually inhabiting our cities. Carnivores are particularly relevant to the study of biodiversity because of their role in structuring ecosystems (e.g. Estes et al. 1998) and because of human interest in these animals (Gittleman et al. 2001). Among the carnivores, mediumsized carnivores, or mesocarnivores, are a particularly common in urban areas (Bateman et al. 2012) and are therefore a good focal taxon for urban biodiversity research. Urban environments are some of the most heavily impacted by humans (Ellis & Ramankutty 2008), making them prime candidates for restoration activities. The Green Seattle Partnership has developed a comprehensive plan to guide forest restoration in Seattle’s greenspaces (Green Seattle Partnership 2005). To determine if restoration activities are achieving their stated goals of removing invasive species and restoring native canopy trees, the plan budgets for vegetation-based post-project monitoring. However, to determine if the restored natural areas are functioning ecosystems, we would also need to document the presence of high-trophic level species like mammalian carnivores. Consequently, monitoring for these species in a variety of restoration phases will enhance our understanding of wildlife responses to management. Preliminary research at Seward Park using baited track plates yielded relatively few target species, with confirmed prints only from Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) and mice (Peromyscus sp.). Two possible explanations for this relative lack of biodiversity stand out. The first is that Seward Park, in spite of its old growth forests, may lack some mammalian biodiversity because it sits on a relatively isolated peninsula in Lake Washington. The second is that the target species are present in Seward Park, but we were using an inappropriate bait or lure to capture tracks of these species. During July and August 2013 we expanded this study to five additional parks in central and south Seattle of varying size, degree of isolation from other greenspaces, and restoration