Response to Koford: red squirrels and supplemental feeding

Article Abstract:

Distinction was not made between an actual increase in population density and an increase of squirrel movements onto the supplemented grids. The Jolly-Seber estimator used in the study is presently considered the best animal population estimator, although there may be an upward bias in the population estimate. The transients were claimed to be responsible for the increase in the supplemented grids. Transients are defined as those squirrels captured only once or twice. The average abundance of squirrels on the supplemented grid did not change when transients were deleted. Transients are therefore not responsible for the increased density.

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Camouflage comparisons among fox squirrels from the Mississippi River delta

Article Abstract:

Populations of fox squirrels (Sciurus niger subauratus) from the delta of the Mississippi River include pale-agouti, dark-agouti and nonagouti-black individuals. Pale-agouti S.n. subauratus are not perfect matches to any of the backgrounds treated, but their brightness correlations are significantly positive. Dark morphs of S.n. subauratus have an advantage of dynamic interaction with predators. The morphs were studied in relation to the forest habitat. Pale-agouti S.n. subauratus and S.n. shermani are superior patch-length matches. Agouti coloration, therefore reflects a common adaptation for camouflage.

Analysis, Genetic polymorphisms, Mississippi River, Varieties, Fox squirrel, Camouflage (Biology)

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Does supplemental feeding of red squirrels change population density, movements, or both?

Article Abstract:

Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) were live-trapped on four trapping grids where two grids (supplemented grid) were provided with large amounts of food and two control grids. Increased number of T. hudsonicus were captured in the two supplemented grids, leading to the conclusion that the population density of resident T. hudsonicus had increased. This conclusion is questionable because population density was not distinguished with movement, and the residency status of captured T. hudsonicus was unknown.

Environmental aspects, Mammals

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