Henry S. (Henry Sheldon) Fitch
Ecology of the Opossum on a Natural Area in Northeastern Kansas
"Ecology of the Opossum on a Natural Area in Northeastern Kansas" by Henry S. Fitch and Lewis L. Sandidge is a scientific publication written in the early 1950s. This study investigates the ecological relationships of the opossum, specifically focusing on its behavior, habitat, movement patterns, feeding habits, and population dynamics within the University of Kansas Natural History Reservation. The book provides an in-depth look at the influence of these marsupials within their environment, reflecting changes over time due to the absence of larger predatory animals. The authors conducted extensive fieldwork between 1949 and 1952, employing live-trapping techniques to gather data on opossums. Their findings include information about the opossum’s nocturnal activities, limited social interactions, home ranges averaging around 50 acres, and varied diets predominantly consisting of wild fruits and crustaceans. Notably, the research highlights the opossum's breeding cycles, revealing a high turnover rate within populations, and details the survival challenges faced by young opossums. Overall, the work not only enhances the understanding of opossum ecology but also serves as a valuable resource for comprehending the broader impacts of animal populations within changing ecosystems.