Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2008
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Biology
Abstract
This the first study conducted in northeast South Dakota and throughout the Black Hills on northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) and red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). In northeast South Dakota there are few recent sightings of either species, and in this study neither species was captured; however, red squirrels and middens were observed. Trapping was conducted throughout the Black Hills from May through August, 2005-2007 to determine research techniques and distribution of northern flying squirrels and red squirrels. Both species were captured throughout the Black Hills, their densities differed depending on habitat characteristics. Radio-tracking was conducted on northern flying squirrels from to determine design I, III, and IV (den site) resource selection (Thomas and Taylor's 1990). Fifty-nine radio-collared northern flying squirrels were tracked to daytime den location every two to four weeks. The radio-collared northern flying squirrels used 133 different dens, which includes three types: drays in live trees, cavities in live trees, and cavities in snags. I compared characteristics of den trees to random trees and available trees within the northern flying squirrels' home ranges [design IV resource selection (Thomas and Taylor 1990)]. Sixty-eight percent of dens used were in cavities. Snags and larger trees were selected for den sites more than expected based on availability. Minimum convex polygon (MCP) home ranges were determined for all radio-collared squirrels with 2:15 radio-tracking locations (n = 49). Males ( 11.23 ± 1.48 ha) occupied a larger area than females (6.91 ± 0.94 ha; P = 0.02). Using the radiotelemetry data and GIS vegetation layers, habitat use (grass-shrub, aspenbirch, bur oak, and pine) and structural stage class (1, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, and 4C) selection were determined for all squirrels with 2: IO radio-tracking locations (n = 54 ). Selection was determined by comparing the proportion of radio-tracking locations (observed) within each habitat to the proportion within the study area (available) within each home range using techniques developed by Neu et al. ( 1974) [ design III resource selection study (Thomas and Taylor 1990)]. Habitat use within home ranges was evaluated on the basis of foraging locations, because the majority of points were collected during the squirrels' nighttime active period. Northern flying squirrels selected pine habitat, while avoiding aspen-birch and bur oak. Northern flying squirrels also selected areas with larger trees and more canopy cover within the structural stage classes. A resource selection function (RSF) habitat model was created for northern flying squirrel distribution throughout the Black Hills. Logistic regression was used to compare habitat variables at used locations (observed radio-tracking and trapping locations) to a random sample of available sites throughout the study area [design I resource selection methods (Thomas and Taylor 1990)]. The RSF map delineated important areas of habitat use by northern flying squirrels throughout the Black Hills and can be used for management purposes, as well as a baseline for future research.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Northern flying squirrel -- South Dakota
Northern flying squirrel -- Black Hills National Forest (S.D. and Wyo.)
Tamiasciurus -- South Dakota
Tamiasciurus -- Black Hills National Forest (S.D. and Wyo.)
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
143
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Hough, Melissa J., "Research Techniques, Habitat Use, and Ecology of Northern Flying Squirrels, and Research Techniques and Distribution of Red Squirrels in the Black Hills National Forest and Northeastern South Dakota" (2008). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1440.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/1440