Development of Keras image classification model for use with a study on the effects of recreational trail use on small mammal species richness and activity

Abstract

The recreational trails near the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) are an important resource for the community. They generate tourist income for the surrounding area. However, human activity can lead to behavioral and ecological changes in wildlife communities. Utilizing triggered camera traps for small mammals implemented from a study conducted in 2019 and 2020, along with trail cameras, we investigated the effects of recreational trails on small mammals along different habitats. This study developed a Keras image classification model for the rodent activity from bucket camera trapping. The Keras model successfully categorized the diurnal golden-mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis) and least chipmunk (Tamias minimus) but was unable to distinguish between the more similar deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) and montane vole (Microtus montanus). We found that different levels of pedestrian and biker activity did not affect the presence of the small mammals overall. However, a more detailed analysis of the diurnal activity patterns of chipmunks and ground squirrels found that their activity near the trail decreases with increased pedestrian and biker activity. Closer attention should be put on smaller organisms found near trails to monitor how high human activity is leading to lowered small mammal activity.

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