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individuals were caught in pitf a1 1 traps.<br />
DISCUSSION<br />
The present study partially fulf ill5 the need to provide<br />
descriptive baseline data for a portion <strong>of</strong> the natural resource,<br />
the' native mammals. These prel i m i nary results for seven habi tak<br />
types indicate that in most cases a rich and diverse fauna <strong>of</strong><br />
compl ex ecol ogi cal distribution exists on Open Space properties.<br />
Species are not widespread and are 1 imi ted to one or two habitats<br />
in most cases. Only one introduced (European) species was<br />
encountered during the study period. The complexity <strong>of</strong> Front<br />
Range environmental conditions has pr0v.i ded sui tab1 e habitat for<br />
species from many faunal elements. The Open Space properties are<br />
representative <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong> the least abundant habitat types, and<br />
those most likely to be developed elsewhere in the region. In<br />
particular the foothi 11s scrub habitat type is the principal<br />
habitat <strong>of</strong> most <strong>of</strong> the Chihuahuan species (Armstrong and Freeman<br />
1984). The uniqueness <strong>of</strong> Open Space properties makes their<br />
stewardship an important responsibility; they are more than just<br />
a local resource, they are a distinctive part <strong>of</strong> our national<br />
heritage.
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