Cudworth, N.L., J.L. Koprowski. 2010. Influences of mating strategy on space use of Arizona gray squirrels. Journal of Mammalogy. 91: 1235-1241.

thackerk1 — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 23:37:06 +0000

Authors

Nichole L. Cudworth

John L. Koprowski

Space use frequently differs between sexes and may reflect differences in parental investment and limiting resources. We examined Arizona gray squirrels (Sciurus arizonensis) from April 2007 to December 2008 to determine effects of mating strategy on patterns of home-range size and overlap. Home ranges were large compared to those of congeners, suggesting an environment with low availability and predictability of resources, and differed by sex and season. Females maintained smaller home ranges overlapped more by males than females; overlap by male home ranges increased during the breeding season. Males had larger home ranges that overlapped females more than males; home-range size and overlap of both sexes increased during the breeding season. Additionally, male Arizona gray squirrels appear to respond to the distribution of females by enlarging home ranges to maximize proportion of females overlapped. Consequently, Arizona gray squirrels conform to theoretical predictions, with female space use influenced by access to food and male space use influenced by access to mates.

Additional Information

Influences of mating strategy on space use of Arizona gray squirrels

Date of publication:

2010

Topics

Arizona gray squirrel

mating system

resource limitation

sex differences

reproductive strategies

Cudworth, N. L., and J. L. Koprowski. 2013. Foraging and reproductive behavior of Arizona gray squirrels (Sciurus arizonensis): impacts of climatic variation. Journal of Mammalogy 94:683-690.

thackerk1 — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 22:57:50 +0000

Authors

Nichole L. Cudworth

John L. Koprowski

Optimal timing of reproduction is critical to ensure adequate conditions for raising young. However, factors influencing timing of reproduction may differ between sexes. Harsh seasonal environments offer unique opportunities to link timing with resource availability and strategies of the sexes. The Arizona gray squirrel (Sciurus arizonensis) inhabits arid forests in which precipitation is highly seasonal and exceptionally variable; however, no data are available on diet or reproduction. We investigated annual variation in foraging and reproductive habits of Arizona gray squirrels to assess responses to extreme seasonality. We found that Arizona gray squirrels have a diverse diet, with consumption of major food items shifting between years. Reproduction also varies between years. Reproductive output was greater in 2008, with more females successfully reproducing and males remaining in reproductive condition for extended periods. Males shifted timing of reproductive behaviors in response to female receptivity, which tracked food availability. This shift likely reflects variation in food production due to precipitation, because rainfall varied greatly, with most years prior to and during our study recording below-average rainfall. With drought conditions and extreme rainfall events predicted to increase with climate change, understanding the relationship between climatic events, phenology of food production, and impacts on reproduction is critical when attempting to manage and conserve species.

Additional Information

Foraging and reproductive behavior of Arizona gray squirrels: impacts of climatic variation

Date of publication:

2013

Topics

Arizona gray squirrel

resource limitation

climate

timing of reproduction

conservation.arizona.edu - resource limitation

Cudworth, N.L., J.L. Koprowski. 2010. Influences of mating strategy on space use of Arizona gray squirrels. Journal of Mammalogy. 91: 1235-1241.

Authors

Additional Information

Topics

Cudworth, N. L., and J. L. Koprowski. 2013. Foraging and reproductive behavior of Arizona gray squirrels (Sciurus arizonensis): impacts of climatic variation. Journal of Mammalogy 94:683-690.

Authors

Additional Information

Topics