Indicators of red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudonicus) abundance in the whitebark pine zone
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Abstract
We investigated occupied squirrel middens and squirrel sightings and vocalizations as indicators of red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) abundance in the high-elevation whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) zone. Data were collected 1984-1989 from line transects located on 2 study sites in the Yellowstone ecosystem. We evaluated the performance of each measure on the basis of precision and biological considerations. We concluded that, of the 3 measures, active middens were the best indicator of red squirrel abundance. We also observed that the density of active middens dropped by 48%-66% between 1987 and 1989, following a severe drought and extensive wildfires that burned one of the study sites during 1988.
Suggested Citation
Mattson, D., Reinhart, D.P., 1996, Indicators of red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudonicus) abundance in the whitebark pine zone: Great Basin Naturalist, v. 56, no. 3, p. 272-275.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Indicators of red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudonicus) abundance in the whitebark pine zone |
| Series title | Great Basin Naturalist |
| Volume | 56 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Year Published | 1996 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum, Brigham Young University |
| Contributing office(s) | Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center |
| Description | p. 272-275 |
| First page | 272 |
| Last page | 275 |