Animals become isolated into patches, and ultimately, may become extinct in those patches. The purpose of this research was to reestablish movement of Peromyscus maniculatus across gaps in fence rows. Both grassy and bare soil gaps were created to produce isolated patches and live trapping at the edges of the patches was conducted to determine that mice were not moving across the gaps. Several devices including upside down rain gutter, clear plastic tunnel, single board on edge and a double board channel were placed across the gaps. Fluorescent powders were placed in and outside the entrance of the devices so movement could be observed using a U-V lamp.
Early indications are that movement can be restored.
It may be possible to overcome some of the gap barriers in inexpensive ways. Natural history of the Red-bellied Woodpecker in Pennsylvania. It is currently extending its range northward and has greatly increased its numbers in Central PA over the past 10 years. The red-belly continues to move northward across the southern tier of New York up to the Syracuse area. Please read the disclaimer .