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Nest Characteristics of Sympatric Populations of Fox and Gray Squirrels

Interspecific competition for nesting cavities between fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) and gray squirrels (S. carolinensis) may occur, but information concerning nest site selection in sympatric populations is unavailable. Thus, we examined seasonal characteristics of nests and nesting sites selected...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of wildlife management 1995-01, Vol.59 (1), p.103-110
Main Authors: Edwards, John W., Guynn, David C.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Interspecific competition for nesting cavities between fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) and gray squirrels (S. carolinensis) may occur, but information concerning nest site selection in sympatric populations is unavailable. Thus, we examined seasonal characteristics of nests and nesting sites selected by fox and gray squirrels in central Georgia during 1989-90. We used radio-collared squirrels to locate 367 nests. Fox and gray squirrel use of cavities was greatest (P < 0.05) in fall and winter and in winter, respectively. Gray squirrels used cavities more often (P < 0.05) than did fox squirrels in all seasons. Fox squirrel leaf nests were located higher (P < 0.001) and in trees with larger diameters (P < 0.001) than were gray squirrel leaf nests. There were no differences in diameter at breast height (dbh) (P = 0.54), nest height (P = 0.11), or tree height (P = 0.19) of cavity trees used by fox and gray squirrels. Nest height and vines present in the crown aided in discriminating between leaf nests of fox and gray squirrels. Fox and gray squirrels constructed leaf nests in pines (Pinus spp.) and oaks (Quercus spp.), respectively, more (P < 0.05) than expected on the basis of availability. Because of differences in nest selection between fox and gray squirrels, the potential for nest site overlap is reduced.
ISSN:0022-541X
1937-2817
DOI:10.2307/3809122