Ecology of the Persian Squirrel, Sciurus anomalus, in Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, Lebanon

Abstract

The ecology of the Persian Squirrel, Sciurus anomalus, was studied in Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, Lebanon. Trapping yielded very low trapping success (2 out of 572 trapping days), while camera trapping proved to be an efficient method to determine presence/absence of squirrels. The Persian Squirrel was found to feed on pine cones more than cedar cone. Association between feeding areas was established. Based on camera trapping, squirrels’ activity began as early as 6:00 am and lasted until 18:00 pm. Peak activity was recorded between 9:00 am until 14:00 pm. An estimate of 1.04–1.82 squirrels per hectare was determined based on seed consumption and daily energy intake.