Surveys & Monitoring

The Allegheny Woodrat is listed as threatened or endangered throughout much of its range. The cause of its decline has been attributed primarily to habitat fragmentation and increased exposure to parasites such as raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris). In Pennsylvania, woodrat habitat is associated with rocky cliffs, boulder piles, and talus slopes. Habitat loss from land development pressure continues to pose a significant threat to Allegheny Woodrat populations. As a result, regulatory agencies now require surveys where development projects are likely to present a significant impact on habitat within the woodrat’s geographic range.

Our Services Include:

• Habitat Assessments: Our staff are qualified to identify sites within project areas that are likely to support Allegheny Woodrat populations. These areas are often associated with rocky cliffs, boulder piles, and talus slopes.

• Surveys for Woodrat Sign and Activity Centers: Once Allegheny Woodrat habitat is located, our staff are qualified to survey the area for woodrat sign and activity centers such as food caches, latrines, and den sites.

• Live-Trapping Surveys: Our staff are experienced in conducting live-trapping surveys to determine the presence of woodrats on the project site and to estimate local population numbers.

• Comprehensive Reporting: Our reports contain all necessary information required by the regulatory agencies to evaluate a project. Specifically, we provide detailed site descriptions, high quality maps, photographs, and all data collected at each site.

• Agency negotiation and communication

• Trail Camera Surveys: Our staff have developed this new use of technology to reduce the costs and disturbance of surveying for the presence of woodrats at potential habitat sites.

• Aerial Habitat Surveys: Our staff have helped pioneer the use of helicopters integrated with GIS to map potential woodrat habitat across large project areas.

Contact us about these services: