Animals such as white-tailed deer, black bears, and red foxes are common residents of the Lehigh Valley and are often sighted. However, the area is also home to many small mammals that residents rarely see.
In an effort to identify less common mammals that live in or pass through the area, Wildlands Conservancy is launching a three-year survey to document small species. This effort focuses on species that are listed as Species of Most Conservation Need (SGCN) in the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan and are at risk (S2 designation) or at serious risk (S1 designation).
The study, which begins later this month, is an expansion of research the Emmaus-based nonprofit has been conducting in northeastern Pennsylvania since 2022, targeting two species of weasels that call the region home: the long-tailed weasel and the stoat.
“This survey will include all small mammal species, with the goal of documenting their distribution and abundance, as well as determining the most effective methods to document their presence,” said Kate Ebell, Wildlands Senior Restoration Ecologist. “These species are difficult to study because they are elusive and move quickly across the landscape.
“This has created a knowledge gap in understanding population levels and current habitat use, making it difficult to effectively protect these species and their habitats. In fact, many small mammal species have declined to the point that they are now considered species of highest conservation need by states.”
According to the state’s 2015-2025 Wildlife Action Plan, there are currently 19 species of mammals listed as SGCNs in the state. These include the northern fox squirrel, the rarely seen northern flying squirrel, and the once common small brown bat that was wiped out by white-nose syndrome.
“A key focus of this study is to document these S1-S2 species wherever they exist, so the hope is that they may be present in the Lehigh Valley, which is part of our conservation lands,” Ebell said. “We know that at-risk species like the Allegheny woodrat, prairie deer mouse, and even the smallest shrew may have historically inhabited this area.”
Ebel was quick to point out that while most people don’t think about these tiny species on a daily basis and probably don’t see them in the landscape, they are still important components of the landscape.
“Both conservation and research efforts often focus on large, charismatic species, and significant progress has been made in the conservation of these species,” she said. “However, small mammal species also form important links in our ecosystems by acting as prey for larger species, helping regenerate forests and vegetation, and improving soil health.
“Small mammals are important indicators of overall ecosystem health because they respond quickly to changes in their environment.”
The Lehigh Valley survey will be conducted on a combination of state hunting lands, Wildland Conservancy reserves and easements, and county and city-owned lands.
Partners in this project include the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Wildlands Conservancy recently received a $38,400 grant from the federal Wildlife Resources Conservation Program to fund this work.
“PGC has been a key partner in the investigation to date, and the next phase of the investigation will see Wildlands work closely with the team to determine effective methods and areas of investigation,” Ebell said.
In addition to documenting the variety of small mammals that call the valley home, this study will also help evaluate small mammal detection methods, providing valuable information for future research projects.
As part of the study, 30 sensor-powered digital cameras will be placed in groups of three to allow conservation groups to assess the effectiveness of different methods of attracting animals to the cameras. Cameras are inspected every 2-3 weeks and SD cards and batteries are replaced.
While it’s impossible to predict what species the study will identify, Abel said the findings will help inform the state’s next wildlife action plan and species-specific management plans. Additionally, Wildlands Conservancy looks forward to sharing research results with the public and the broader research community.
“I don’t know what will happen next, but [the] “The Lehigh Valley region has a very diverse landscape and we are excited to document what we have here,” she said.
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