Muskrat habitat and population monitoring at the Cumberland Marshes project; an interim report presented to the 43rd. Midwest Wildlife Conference: December 8, 1981. D. Phillips

Muskrats (Ondatra zibethica) are common members of marsh communities throughout North America. The species is particularly important in developed wetlands which are managed for wildlife production because of its economic value as a fur-bearer and the influence of resident populations upon marsh vegetation (Weller and Spatcher 1965). The Cumberland Marshes in east-central Saskatchewan have traditionally supported large muskrat populations that have been the focus of a substantial local trapping industry for the past two centuries. The recent development of this area into a managed marsh project by Duck Unlimited (Canada) has had significant implications for these populations. Water level manipulations directed towards improvement of waterfowl breeding habitat have also influenced the carrying capacity of local muskrat habitat. This paper outlines methodologies implemented by Ducks Unlimited (Canada) in 1980 to monitor variations in muskrat habitat and populations resulting from operati