New River Gorge National River (NRGNR) represents the core habitat for a mammal that is unique to the Appalachians - the Allegheny woodrat. Not to be confused with the non-native black or Norway rat, it is a gentle creature that inhabits rocky slopes and cliff areas in West Virginia.
“The National Park Service (NPS) has been surveying the Gorge for woodrats since 2001," reports Cal Hite, Superintendent of NRGNR. “By collecting habitat and population information for the woodrat, the NPS hopes to help answer why this species is disappearing in other parts of its range."
“We live-trap the woodrats, then mark each animal with a tiny, numbered, metal ear tag," explains Matt Varner, NPS wildlife biologist. “The marked woodrats are then released to become available for recapture in subsequent months or years, allowing us to acquire data on population levels. Based on catch rates over the past 5 years, woodrat populations within the park appear to be stable. Unfortunately, woodrat populations in other states continue to dwindle."
In decline for the last 50 years, this species is now absent in Connecticut, New York and much of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Although this trend has been well documented, the reasons behind the decline remain largely uncertain. Several theories exist which include: 1) severe winter weather, 2) a decline in acorns due to defoliation of oak trees by gypsy moths which reduces the woodrats' winter food supply, 3) parasitic raccoon roundworm infection, and 4) habitat loss or alteration.
The Allegheny woodrat feeds on a variety of buds, leaves, stems, fruits, seeds, acorns and other nuts. Unlike the Norway rat, Allegheny woodrats generally have only one litter per year, which averages only 2 young and their average life span is 3-5 years.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
