. An ecological characterization of Coastal Maine (north and east of Cape Elizabeth) . The group of mammals discussed in this chapter, collectively termed terrestrial mammals, includes 52 species representing several diverse orders: marsupials, bats, shrews and moles, rabbits and hares, rodents, carnivores, and hoofed mammals (table 17-1). Mammals are integral components of the terrestrial systems in the characterization area and are important to humanity for economic, recreational, and aesthetic reasons. No species are endangered or threatened but many are faced with shrinking habitats becaus
. An ecological characterization of Coastal Maine (north and east of Cape Elizabeth) . The group of mammals discussed in this chapter, collectively termed terrestrial mammals, includes 52 species representing several diverse orders: marsupials, bats, shrews and moles, rabbits and hares, rodents, carnivores, and hoofed mammals (table 17-1). Mammals are integral components of the terrestrial systems in the characterization area and are important to humanity for economic, recreational, and aesthetic reasons. No species are endangered or threatened but many are faced with shrinking habitats because of land development along the coast; their welfare should be an important consideration for regional planners. The term "terrestrial" mammals is not entirely correct, since several species (, beaver, otter) spend much of their time in the water. The term is used to distinguish the species discussed in this chapter from the marine mammals (seals, whales and porpoises) discussed in chapter 13. Mammals use terrestrial habitats ranging from urban areas and rural farmland to mature forests and most freshwater wetlands (palustrine, lacustrine, riverine; table 17-2). Mammals interact with other animals and plants through food chains, both as consumers and as prey. They influence plant species composition and distribution by consuming seeds and plant material; and they modify entire habitats (, beavers). Forty-four species of mammals are found within all six regions of the characterization area, while eight others are found in only some of the regions (Godin 1977; table 17-3). With the exception of three species of bats that migrate south during winter, mammals are year round residents. Many species of terrestrial mammals found along the Maine coast have a direct relationship to humanity. Ten species are hunted for sport and 13 are trapped for fur. A few species (, deer, bear, raccoon) cause economic losses from crop depredations. Mammals are also of aesthetic a
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