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Showing papers on "Flying squirrel published in 2005"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A phylogeographical study of the Russian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) was carried out using the complete mitochondrial (mt) cytochrome b gene sequences with special reference to the refugia theory for the arboreal traits of this species as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A phylogeographical study of the Russian (Siberian) flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) was carried out using the complete mitochondrial (mt) cytochrome b gene sequences with special reference to the refugia theory for the arboreal traits of this species. We examined 31 specimens from 24 localities, resulting in 28 haplotypes. One breeding specimen with a unique haplotype from Hokkaido, Japan was included in the phylogenetic analysis. There were three mtDNA lineages: Hokkaido, Far Eastern, and northern Eurasia. Divergence data among lineages demonstrated that the Hokkaido group separated from the other groups during the Holsteinian interglacial. The phylogeographical pattern of P. volans is different from that previously reported for terrestrial rodents associated with treeless habitats. Unlike grasslands, forests decreased during glaciation and moved southward because of the cold and arid environmental conditions. The glacial refugia of P. volans would have been associated with forest dynamics in the Pleistocene.

72 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the relative abundance of flying squirrel in northern Alberta, Canada, is related to old forest, conifer forest and relevant landscape features as quantified from management-based digital forest inventories.
Abstract: Summary 1. It is common practice to evaluate the potential effects of management scenarios on animal populations using geographical information systems (GIS) that relate proximate landscape structure or general habitat types to indices of animal abundance. Implicit in this approach is that the animal population responds to landscape features at the spatial grain and extent represented in available digital map inventories. 2. The northern flying squirrel Glaucomys sabrinus is of particular interest in North American forest management because it is known from the Pacific North-West as a habitat specialist, a keystone species of old-growth coniferous forest and an important disperser of hypogeous, mycorrhizal fungal spores. Using a GIS approach we tested whether the relative abundance of flying squirrel in northern Alberta, Canada, is related to old forest, conifer forest and relevant landscape features as quantified from managementbased digital forest inventories. 3. We related squirrel abundance, estimated through live trapping, to habitat type (forest composition: conifer, mixed-wood and deciduous) and landscape structure (stand height, stand age, stand heterogeneity and anthropogenic disturbance) at three spatial extents (50 m, 150 m and 300 m) around each site. 4. Relative abundances of northern flying squirrel populations in northern and western Alberta were similar to those previously reported from other regions of North America. Capture rates were variable among sites, but showed no trends with respect to year or provincial natural region (foothills vs. boreal). 5. Average flying squirrel abundance was similar in all habitats, with increased values within mixed-wood stands at large spatial extents (300 m) and within deciduousdominated stands at smaller spatial extents (50 m). No relationship was found between squirrel abundance and conifer composition or stand age at any spatial extent. 6. None of the landscape variables calculated from GIS forest inventories predicted squirrel abundance at the 50-m or 150-m spatial extents. However, at the 300-m spatial extent we found a negative, significant relationship between average stand height and squirrel abundance. 7. Synthesis and applications. Boreal and foothill populations of northern flying squirrel in Canada appear unrelated to landscape composition at the relatively large spatial resolutions characteristic of resource inventory data commonly used for management and planning in these regions. Flying squirrel populations do not appear clearly associated with old-aged or conifer forests; rather, they appear as habitat generalists. This study suggests that northern, interior populations of northern flying squirrel are probably more related to stand-level components of forest structure, such as food, microclimate

46 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results support the evolutionary distinctness of the endangered Appalachian populations of G. sabrinus and highlight the utility of evaluating the conservation genetics of small and isolated populations within a broad‐scale comparative evolutionary and biogeographical framework.
Abstract: We assessed the genetic status of two endangered subspecies of the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) that are restricted to isolated stands of high elevation spruce-fir and adjacent spruce-fir-hardwood ecotonal habitat in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern North America. We used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and allozyme data to estimate levels of genetic variability in the two subspecies of interest and then evaluated this information in the context of large-scale phylogeographical structure and overall genetic variability for the entire species and for the closely related and partially sympatric southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans). This broader analysis involves much of North America's northern coniferous forest biome, together with the deciduous forest biome of eastern North America. Our results support the evolutionary distinctness of the endangered Appalachian populations of G. sabrinus. These populations possess several private alleles and have levels of genetic variability that are substantially lower than those observed in conspecific populations found elsewhere. However, the endangered Appalachian populations of G. sabrinus have higher levels of genetic variability than those observed in populations of G. volans from across eastern North America. These results highlight the utility of evaluating the conservation genetics of small and isolated populations within a broad-scale comparative evolutionary and biogeographical framework.

25 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the applicability of forest planning data in predicting the occurrence of the Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) in managed northern boreal forests, in northeast Finland, was analyzed.

24 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This is the 1st study to show that adult nestmate southern flying squirrels typically are unrelated and do not nest in family-based groups.
Abstract: Genetic relationships were examined among wild-caught southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) sharing the same natural nest cavity. Under natural conditions, typically 75‐80% of southern flying squirrel nest groups comprise adult-aged individuals. The remainder nest in family-based groups or are solitary. The coefficient of relatedness within nest groups of adult individuals and family-based nest groups was examined through microsatellite DNA analysis. Family or adult nest groups were identified from the age class of individual group members determined through a discriminant function analysis based on body mass. From this information, nest groups were categorized as family-based groups comprising a single adult female with nestlings, adult groups comprising adult aged-individuals, or subadult nest groups. The average coefficient of relatedness was determined in each nest group. Within the putative family groups, most individuals were 1st-order relatives. In the adult nest groups, the coefficient of relatedness was low, indicating that these individuals were unrelated. The relationships within the subadult nest groups were intermediate. This is the 1st study to show that adult nestmate southern flying squirrels typically are unrelated and do not nest in family-based groups.

23 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: The high differentiation between sampling sites indicates that the actual gene flow over large distances is low, and emphasizes the importance of landscape-level management in the conservation of the flying squirrel.
Abstract: The Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) is an arboreal rodent that inhabits spruce-dominated boreal forest. The species has declined in Finland, probably due to modern forestry. We studied genetic variation in the flying squirrel (n = 159) between eight sampling sites in Finland using seven microsatellite loci. Heterozygosity levels were similar in the flying squirrel as found for other Sciurid species. There were slight heterozygote excesses over all loci. Isolation by distance was clear and genetic differentiation between sampling sites was high (overall F S T = 0.115). In addition, geographical isolation of one site was observed as increased differentiation and low allele richness. Radio telemetry studies have revealed that the dispersal abilities of flying squirrels are good. However, the high differentiation between sampling sites indicates that the actual gene flow over large distances is low. Thus our results emphasize the importance of landscape-level management in the conservation of the flying squirrel.

22 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Recent ecological studies of endemic populations of the northern flying squirrel and the southern red-backed vole suggest that risk of extirpation in managed landscapes is likely less than was presumed during recent land management planning in the region, but there are essential questions for both species regarding the influence of annual population fluctuations on habitat distribution and population demography.

9 citations



DOI
01 Jan 2005
TL;DR: Brown et al. as discussed by the authors examined the population genetic structure of three known subspecies of Glaucomys sabrinus from Appalachia, Washington State, and two previously unexamined populations from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (MRNRA), in Southwestern Virginia.
Abstract: Genetic variability, pathogen susceptibility, subspecies identity and conservation of the endangered northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) in Virginia. James Lincoln Sparks, Jr. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2005. Thesis Directors: Dr. John F. Pagels, Professor Dr. Bonnie L. Brown, Professor Department of Biology I examined the population genetic structure of three known subspecies of Glaucomys sabrinus from Appalachia, Washington State, and two previously unexamined populations from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (MRNRA), in Southwestern Virginia. Mean FST (0.107) and an AMOVA (P < 0.001), indicated that G. sabrinus subspecies populations in the southern Appalachians are genetically differentiated. Glaucomys sabrinus at MRNRA were less inbred than expected. Gene flow, a consensus tree based on Nei's genetic distance, elevated heterozygosity and morphometric data suggest that the MRNRA G. sabrinus population is an intergrade of the two recognized Appalachian subspecies, G. s. fuscus and G. s. coloratus. I compared inbreeding and the level of parasite infestation in the two MRNRA populations of G. sabrinus and found that Whitetop Mountain (150 ha habitat) was more inbred than the population on Mount Rogers (400 ha habitat, P < 0.001). The egg counts of the parasitic helminth Strongyloides robustus were greater in the more fragmented Whitetop Mountain population, although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.278). A Mantel comparison of genetic diversity and parasite infestation among individuals did show a highly significant negative correlation (P < 0.0001). The MRNRA G. sabrinus form a unique insular population with high genetic diversity that is nonetheless susceptible to increased inbreeding, and elevated parasitism caused by fragmentation. MRNRA G. sabrinus should retain endangered species status. INTRODUCTION The southern Appalachian northern flying squirrel, Glaucomys sabrinus, exists in isolated mountaintop Pleistocene relict habitat populations (Fies and Pagels 1991 ; Weigl et al. 1992; Browne et al. 1999; Reynolds et al. 1999). Their high degree of association with insular, relict habitats encourages vicariance, subspeciation, and genetic isolation (Slatkin 1987; Browne et al. 1999). Reduced genetic variation has been documented in maritime insular populations of an Alaskan northern flying squirrel subspecies, G. s. griseifrons, in the Alexander Archipelago (Bidlack and Cook 2001). Furthermore, because inbreeding has been linked to increased risk of pathogenic infectious disease (Scott 1988; Ralls et al. 1988; Mills and Smouse 1994), it is possible that reductions in genetic diversity due to inbreeding may be associated with the level of parasitism by Strongyloides robustus. Meagher (1999) correlated reduced genetic variability of Pemyscus maniculatus with elevated levels of the nematode parasite Capillaria hepatica in Michigan. Loss of genetic variation due to fragmentation and insularity is believed to increase the risk of extirpation (Slatkin 1987; Vrijenhoek 1989; Meagher 1999; Hale et al. 2001). The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area population of G. sabrinus is the most geographically isolated one in the eastern United States. Mount Rogers is 37 km (23 mi) northwest of the nearest population of G. s. coloratus in Long Hope Valley, North Carolina (Weigl et al. 1992) and 273 km (170 mi) southeast of the nearest G. s. fuscus population in Highland County, Virginia (USFS 1990). The late systematist Charles 0. Handley Jr., who originally described G. s. coloratus in Tennessee and North Carolina, viewed the G. sabrinus from southwestern Virginia as an intergrade between the two subspecies (Fies and Pagels 1991). Weigl et al. (1992) recommended revisiting the taxonomic standing of G. sabrinus in southwestern Virginia because of the population's proximity to G. s. coloratus in North Carolina. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) has protected the two northern flying squirrel subspecies found in middle and southern Appalachia since 1986 (USRNS 1990). A potential ESA ruling may down-list G. s. fuscus to threatened status (Pagels pers. corn.). The subspecies identity of the MRNRA population is, therefore, relevant to local recovery plans. We address the subspecific standing of the MRNRA population using analysis of gene flow, genetic distances and biometric comparison. Evolution of the North American Flying squirrel Flying squirrels, family Sciuridae, sub-family Petauristinae, are nocturnal tree squirrels that are adapted for gliding as a means of locomotion. This action, known as volplaning, is made by extension of a parachute of elastic skin, the patagium. The patagium is suspended from a retractable cartilage styliform process at the wrist and attached to each corresponding ankle (Gupta 1966). The origin of the flying squirrel genus Glaucomys remains obscure (Pratt and Morgan 1989; Skwara 1985; Thorington et al. 1996). Paleontological evidence suggests the concurrent arrival of two Petauristinae genera, Petauristodon and Eomys, from Asia via the Bering isthmus during the second Hemingfordian faunal exchange, 18 mya (Webb and Opdyke 1995). Kurten and Anderson (1 980) report a single genus and species, Cryptoptems webbi, by the late Pliocene, 3 mya. The earliest fossil Glaucomys is G. volans, known from a single faunal deposit in Florida 80,000 ybp (Martin 1974). Glaucomys sabrinus debuts in the fossil records of northern California and southern Appalachia concurrently during the Wisconsinan circa 18,000 ybp (Furlong 1906; Guilday et

4 citations