Influence of resource distribution and abundance on home-range characteristics of southern flying squirrels

Abstract

We compared the distribution and abundance of a major food resource (mast-producing trees) and potential den sites (snags) with the composition and size of summer home ranges of eight (four male, four female) southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans). Large hickories (Carya ovata) (> 16 cm diameter at breast height) and beeches (Fagus grandifolia) were more abundant in intensively used portions of squirrel home ranges than in random sites. Home ranges of male squirrels also contained greater densities of large red oaks (Quercus borealis) and large white oaks (Quercus alba) than did home ranges of females. Female flying squirrels occupied home ranges with a greater abundance of snags than did males. We suggest that females moved into areas with an abundance of potential dens and relatively low food resources while rearing young in response to competition for maternal dens, or to avoid contact with other squirrels. Home ranges of males were larger than those of females. Estimated home ranges in our study area (at the northern edge of the distribution of southern flying squirrels) were 1.5–20 times larger than estimates from regions to the south. Locally, home-range size was not correlated with the abundance of mast-producing trees. However, if viewed on a biogeographic scale, home-range size may be influenced by the abundance of mast-producing trees.