Behaviour and use of space by juvenile Columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus)

Abstract

The behavioural ontogeny of the Columbia ground squirrel (Spermophilus columbianus) was examined using livetrapped and marked individuals in a population in southwestern Alberta, Canada. Observations using scan and all-occurrence sampling recorded the activities and locations of individuals. Differences between sexes in the movement of juvenile squirrels were apparent after the first 10 days from emergence from the natal burrow. Males travelled further from the natal burrow, had larger home ranges, and shifted their activity centres more than did females. Females remained nearest their sisters and rates of play between sisters were the highest of all interacting pairs. Although there was no difference in the mean distance from the mother for males and females, females greeted their mothers three times more frequently than did brothers. The consequences of such different social and spatial experiences are discussed in light of female site fidelity and male dispersal.