conservation.arizona.edu - Chiricahua fox squirrel

Pasch, B. and J. L. Koprowski. 2006. Sex differences in space use of Chiricahua fox squirrels. Journal of Mammalogy 87(2): 380-386.

thackerk1 — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 22:48:11 +0000

Authors

Bret Pasch

John L. Koprowski

Sex differences in reproductive investment influence space use patterns of many animals. In polygynous mammals, male space use reflects distribution of females and female space use reflects relative distribution of food. We used radiotelemetry to examine seasonal patterns of home-range size, overlap, and distance traveled by male and female Chiricahua fox squirrels (Sciurus nayaritensis chiricahuae) from 2002 to 2003. Male and female home-range and core-area size varied little between nonmating and mating seasons. Female core areas had a greater percentage overlap by males than by females during mating and nonmating seasons. Males traveled farther in the mating season and females showed little variation between seasons. Extreme spatial and temporal fluctuations of food experienced by Chiricahua fox squirrels may result in space use patterns that differ from those of tree squirrels living in forests with a greater abundance of food.

Additional Information

SEX DIFFERENCES IN SPACE USE OF CHIRICAHUA FOX SQUIRRELS

Date of publication:

2006

Topics

mating system

reproductive strategy

Chiricahua fox squirrel

Koprowski, J. L. and M. C. Corse. 2001. Food habits of the Chiricahua fox squirrel (Sciurus nayaritensis chiricahuae). The Southwestern Naturalist 46(1): 62-65.

thackerk1 — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 23:35:15 +0000

Authors

John L. Koprowski

Michelle C. Corse

The Chiricahua fox squirrel (Sciurus nayaritensis chiricahuae) is restricted to montane forests of the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona. We used observations of focal animals to determine the diet of squirrels during summer and winter. Chiricahua fox squirrels feed heavily on seeds of trees, berries of mistletoe, and hypogeous fungi. Diets were most diverse in summer for males, whereas females did not demonstrate significant seasonality of diet. Daily diets were more diverse than reported for other tree squirrels. As in other tree squirrels, Chiricahua fox squirrels appear to be highly dependent on mature forest trees for food.

Additional Information

Food Habits of the Chiricahua Fox Squirrel (Sciurus nayaritensis chiricahuae)

Date of publication:

2001

Topics

Chiricahua fox squirrel

food habits

daily diet

Doumas, S. L., and J. L. Koprowski. 2013. Effect of heterogeneity in burn severity on Mexican fox squirrels following the retunr of fire. International Journal of Wildland Fire 22:405-413.

thackerk1 — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 00:46:58 +0000

Authors

Sandra L. Doumas

John L. Koprowski

After decades of suppression, fire has returned to many forested areas of the western United States. Understanding responses of wildlife species to fire is essential to native species conservation because contemporary fires may not have the same effects as historical fires. Recent fires in the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona provided an opportunity to investigate effects of fire heterogeneity on habitat selection of a native wildlife species. We used radiotelemetry to determine home ranges of Mexican fox squirrels (Sciurus nayaritensis chiricahuae) within fire- influenced forests. We then applied resource-utilisation functions to evaluate associations of use intensity within home ranges to heterogeneity of burn severity at two spatial scales. Squirrels used areas with moderate levels of burn heterogeneity at large scale more than areas of low or high heterogeneity. Squirrels used small (,0.5 ha) or narrow (,120 m) severely burnt patches, but incorporated only edges of large patches into home ranges. Use of burnt forests by Mexican fox squirrels demonstrates the complexities of fire’s effects on wildlife. Our results contribute to an understanding of the role and effect of fire in forest ecosystems and implications for wildlife conservation.

Additional Information

Effect of heterogeneity in burn severity on Mexican fox squirrels following the return of fire

Date of publication:

2013

Topics

Chiricahua fox squirrel

native wildlife

prescription burn

wildfire

patchiness

Doumas, S.L., J.L. Koprowski. 2013. Return of fire as a restoration tool: long-term effects of burn severity on habitat use by Mexican fox squirrels. Restoration Ecology 21:133-139.

thackerk1 — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 00:43:39 +0000

Authors

Sandra L. Doumas

John L. Koprowski

After decades of suppression, fire is returning to forests of the western United States through wildfires and prescribed burns. These fires may aid restoration of vegetation structure and processes, which could improve conditions for wildlife species and reduce severe wildfire risk. Understanding response of wildlife species to fires is essential to forest restoration because contemporary fires may not have the same effects as historical fires. Recent fires in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona provided opportunity to investigate long-term effects of burn severity on habitat selection of a native wildlife species. We surveyed burned forest for squirrel feeding sign and related vegetation characteristics to frequency of feeding sign occurrence. We used radio-telemetry within fire- influenced forest to determine home ranges of Mexican fox squirrels, Sciurus nayaritensis chiricahuae, and compared vegetation characteristics within home ranges to random areas available to squirrels throughout burned conifer forest. Squirrels fed in forest with open understory and closed canopy cover. Vegetation within home ranges was characterized by lower understory density, consistent with the effects of low-severity fire, and larger trees than random locations. Our results suggest that return of low-severity fire can help restore habitat for Mexican fox squirrels and other native wildlife species with similar habitat affiliations in forests with a historical regime of frequent, low-severity fire. Our study contributes to an understanding of the role and impact of fire in forest ecosystems and the implications for forest restoration as fire returns to the region.

Additional Information

Return of Fire as a Restoration Tool: Long‐Term Effects of Burn Severity on Habitat Use by Mexican Fox Squirrels

Date of publication:

2012

Topics

Chiricahua fox squirrel

prescribed fire

wildfire

habitat

home range

vegetation