Showing papers on "Flying squirrel published in 1996"

Innervation of propatagial musculature in a flying squirrel, Glaucomys volans (Rodentia, Sciuridae).

Abstract: The propatagium of gliding and flying mammals is of both functional and phylogenetic interest. The innervation of the propatagial muscle, platysma II, was studied with the axonal tracer wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) in a flying squirrel, Glaucomys volans. Injections of WGA-HRP into the proximal third of platysma II labeled motoneurons in the lateral part of the medial subdivision of the ipsilateral facial nucleus and in the ipsilateral ventral horn of the brachial enlargement. Injections into distal regions of platysma II labeled motoneurons in the ipsilateral ventral horn of spinal segments C5-C8 but not in the facial nucleus. Injections along the whole length of the muscle labeled afferent axons in the ipsilateral dorsal horn of spinal segments C4-T1. These results demonstrate a mixed facial and spinal motor innervation of propatagial musculature in the flying squirrel and indicate that this pattern of mixed innervation is more widespread among flying and gliding mammals than previously reported. Mixed facial and cervical propatagial innervation, independently derived in different flying and gliding mammals, may represent a common solution in the design of the propatagium. These findings complicate the use of propatagial muscle innervation patterns for the establishment of phylogenetic relationships among flying and gliding mammals.

Red-cockaded woodpecker nesting success, forest structure, and southern flying squirrels in texas

Abstract: For several decades general opinion has suggested that southern flying squir- rels (Glaucomys volans) have a negative effect on Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (Picoides borealis) through competition for cavities and egg/nestling predation. Complete removal of hardwood trees from Red-cockaded Woodpecker cavity tree clusters has occurred on some forests because southern flying squirrel abundance was presumed to be associated with the presence and abundance of hardwood vegetation. In some locations, southern flying squirrels have been captured and either moved or killed in the name of Red-cockaded Woodpecker management. We determined southern flying squirrel occupancy of Red-cockaded Wood- pecker cavities in loblolly (Pinus taeda)-shortleaf (P. echinata) pine habitat (with and with- out hardwood midstory vegetation) and longleaf pine (P. palustris) habitat (nearly devoid of hardwood vegetation) during spring, late summer, and winter during 1990 and 1991. Flying squirrel use of Red-cockaded Woodpecker cavities was variable and was not related to presence or abundance of hardwood vegetation. Woodpecker nest productivity was not correlated with flying squirrel use of woodpecker cavities within clusters. In addition, we observed six instances where Red-cockaded Woodpeckers successfully nested while flying squirrels occupied other cavities in the same tree. Our results suggest that complete removal of hardwoods from woodpecker cluster areas in loblolly and shortleaf pine habitat may not provide benefits to the woodpeckers through reduction of flying squirrel numbers. Reduction of hardwood midstory around cavity trees, however, is still essential because of the wood- pecker's apparent innate intolerance of hardwood midstory foliage. Received 3 Nov. 1995, accepted 21 Mar. 1996.

Rediscovery of the woolly flying squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus)

Abstract: The woolly flying squirrel ( Eupetaurus cinereus ) is a rare, unusual, and poorly-known sciurid. Most information concerning this species comes from a few study skins collected over a century ago. In 1994, a live specimen was captured in northern Pakistan, and new physical and behavioral information gathered. Remains of other specimens were found, and anecdotal information was gathered from local people concerning natural history of the squirrel.

Effectiveness of Flying Squirrel Excluder Devices on Red-cockaded Woodpecker Cavities

Abstract: Ahstracr: I tested the effectiveness of squirrel excluder devices (SQEDs) in deterring southern flying squirrels (Ghucomys rduns) from using artificial red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoidcs horeulis) cavities by placing them on approximately one-half of the cavities in I4 inactive recruitment clusters on the Savannah River Site, South Carolina. SQEDs consisted of 2 pieces of 35.5-cm wide aluminum flashing placed 7.6 cm above and below the cavity entrance. Cavities with (N = 37) and without (14 = 35) SQEDs were checked once per month from February 1995 to January 1996; all flying squirrels found in cavities were removed and destroyed. Cavities with and without SQEDs did not differ in cavity height (P = 0.70). distance lo first branch >I m in length (P = 0.09). distance to the nearest tree (P = 0.29), number of trees within 8 m (P = 0.82). or previous use by flying squirrels (P = 0.67). Flying squirrels used cavities without SQEDs throughout the year and occupied 5.7% to 38.2% of the cavities/month. In contrast, only I flying squirrel was found in a cavity with a SQED; thus, SQEDs effectively impeded flying squirrels from using red-cockaded woodpecker cavities and should be considered a tool in red

Banded karyotypes and the localization of ribosomal RNA genes of Eurasian flying squirrel, Pteromys volans orii (Mammalia, Rodentia)

Abstract: SUMMARYKaryotypes of five males and four females of Eurasian (Siberian) flying squirrel, Pteromys volans orii, were analyzed with G-, C-, Ag-NOR staining methods. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied to the location of 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA genes. The diploid chromosome number of this species was 2n = 38 with the arm number (NF) of 68. C-bands were located at the centromeric region of all chromosome pairs. Nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) appeared in the short arm of chromosome 17, and the location of Ag-NORs was indistinguishable from the site of the rRNA genes. The size variation of NORs was observed in each individual, indicating heteromorphism of NORs in this species.