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Distribution Patterns of Sciurus niger (Eastern Fox Squirrel) Leaf Nests Within Woodlots Across a Suburban/Urban Landscape
Northeastern Naturalist (2008)
  • Carmen M. Salsbury, Butler University
Abstract
To determine habitat characteristics that influence Sciurus niger (Eastern Fox Squirrel) abundance and distribution within a suburban/urban landscape in the midwestern United States, I documented the density and placement of fox squirrel leaf nests in 20 woodlots in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Marion County, IN. The woodlots varied in size (0.94 to 19.5 ha), approximate age, shape, and degree of isolation from other woodlots and suitable squirrel habitat in the surrounding area. Only 8.0% of nests were located in a tree with another nest, and nests were randomly distributed in all but one woodlot, where they were uniformly dispersed. Nest density was not significantly related to woodlot size, approximate age, shape, or degree of isolation. Fox squirrel leaf nests were not found in greater densities along the edge of each woodlot, contrary to previous reports. My results suggest that the distribution patterns of fox squirrels within suburban/urban landscapes are similar to patterns within landscapes fragmented by agriculture.
Publication Date
December, 2008
Publisher Statement
The publisher, Eagle Hill Institute reserves the copyright to all its publications. Any reproduction, other than for an individual's own personal and private use, or distribution of journal content is prohibited without written permission from Eagle Hill Institute.
Citation Information
Salsbury, C. M. (2008). Distribution patterns of sciurus niger (eastern fox squirrel) leaf nests within woodlots across a suburban/urban landscape. Northeastern Naturalist, 15 (4), pp. 485-496. doi:10.1656/1092-6194-15.4.485. Available from: http://digitalcommons.butler.edu/facsch_papers/289.