Tassel-Eared Squirrel Population, Habitat Condition, and Dietary Relationships in North-Central Arizona

摘要: We examined the seasonal population dynamic of tassel-eared squirrels (Sciurus aberti) in north-central Arizona, USA, during 1996-1997 to assess relationships with forest structural habitat condition and dietary fungi use. Our 8 study sites averaged 66 ha exhibited considerable variation ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) structure. conducted capture-recapture trapping 3 seasons each year, for a total 56,016 trap days 2,542 captures 450 squirrels. attained estimates mean standard error ±10%. Density across periods ranged from 0.05 1.03 squirrels/ha, fluctuated widely, at half our sites, particularly between April August periods. Indices recruitment 0.14 juveniles/female. Survival rates 0.78, winter survival (0.63) significantly lower than other analyzed 382 fetal samples hypogeous epigeous fungi, which 21 taxa were detected. Mean fecal fungal content was higher (70.8% relative frequency) January (28.2%) (9.4%). Recruitment strongly positively related both number interlocking canopy trees samples. basal area all tree species. Across periods, squirrel density diversity. Winter inversely snow cover duration Squirrel fluctuations tied quadratic diameter. Forest management restoration practices emphasizing intensive, widespread thinning may adversely impact that provide food. Integrating needs canopies attributes will benefit populations.