Distribution and population ecology of the fox squirrel in Florida

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" Distribution and population ecology of the fox squirrel in Florida "
J. B. Wooding S. R. Humphrey

Document Type	:	Latin Dissertation
Language of Document	:	English
Record Number	:	1113496
Doc. No	:	TLpq304343012
Main Entry	:	J. B. Wooding
	:	S. R. Humphrey
Title & Author	:	Distribution and population ecology of the fox squirrel in Florida\ J. B. WoodingS. R. Humphrey
College	:	University of Florida
Date	:	1997
student score	:	1997
Degree	:	Ph.D.
Page No	:	143
Abstract	:	Fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) distribution, movements, demographics, and management were investigated in Florida from 1989 to 1995. Fox squirrels were determined to be widespread in Florida, occurring in 65 of the state's 67 counties. There were no reported occurrences for Dade and Broward counties. The distribution, however, was patchy due to habitat loss. The largest expanses of fox squirrel habitat were found on public lands in northern Florida. Fox squirrel movements and demographics were studied on two areas in northern Florida. Forty-four fox squirrels were monitored during the study. The density of fox squirrels on one study area was 7.4 fox usd\rm squirrels/km\sp2;usd the density on the second area was 11.7 fox usd\rm squirrels/km\sp2.usd Male home ranges overlapped extensively with those of females and other males, but there was little overlap in home ranges of adult females. Eight of 15 fox squirrels collared as subadults dispersed. Two older fox squirrels also dispersed. Dispersal distances ranged from 1.0 to 7.2 km. The annual mortality rate for the radio collared animals was estimated at 27-30%. Litter size ranged from 1-3. Populations had two breeding seasons per year, but the litter frequency of radio-collared females was 1.07 litters per year. Six radio-collared fox squirrels were translocated in 1995 to establish a breeding population in a state park. The radio signal was lost on one squirrel while it was still on the park, but the other 5 animals left the park following their release, indicating that the habitat on the park was unacceptable to fox squirrels. Dispersing squirrels settled where neighboring populations occurred, showing that local sources of fox squirrels were available that could naturally colonize the park. Further relocation of fox squirrels to the area was unwarranted under the current conditions.
Subject	:	Biological sciences
	:	dispersal
	:	Ecology
	:	Forestry
	:	habitat loss
	:	Sciurus niger