Showing papers on "Flying squirrel published in 2013"

Crossing structures reconnect federally endangered flying squirrel populations divided for 20 years by road barrier

Abstract: In the Unicoi Mountains of southwestern North Carolina, USA, a 2 lane scenic byway created a barrier to dispersal for the federally endangered Carolina northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus). Unable to glide across the road, squirrels in the divided subpopulations faced reduced access to mates, den sites, and foraging grounds. We installed 3 pairs of modified wooden utility poles as crossing structures to enable gliding over the road in both directions. Using wildlife cameras, we monitored use of the crossing poles by northern flying squirrels for 15 months. Additionally, we tracked movements of 4 radiocollared northern flying squirrels between habitat patches and checked nest boxes for evidence of squirrels crossing the road. Cameras recorded 5 still images and 25 videos of northern flying squirrels on the crossing poles, with flying squirrels leaping across the road in 56% of videos. Crossings increased from 0 crossings in a previous study to 14 crossings in this study. For the first time since crossing-pole installation, squirrels used dens on the opposite side of the road from where they were initially captured and tagged. We believe that these structure-assisted road crossings in the Unicois are the first observed in a North American gliding mammal. Although northern flying squirrels used crossing poles to glide over a rural, low traffic, 2-lane road, further research should be conducted to determine whether this technique is applicable to different road types and other types of linear barriers in North America. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.

Mating system and reproductive success in the Siberian flying squirrel

Abstract: Mating systems and factors affecting reproductive success are much studied especially for mammals that are large bodied, have marked sexual size dimorphisms, and have a female-defense mating system. For species that deviate from these patterns, we need more information on mating systems and reproductive success. Here, we study mating system and factors related to reproductive success in a solitary rodent, the Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). In contrast to most other mammals, males are not larger than females in flying squirrels. Similarly to most mammalian species, we observed multimale paternity within litters and reproductive success of males being positively related to body mass. Variation in reproductive success was clearly higher for males than for females, although remained lower than observed in species with highly male-biased sexual size dimorphism. Female flying squirrels lived in nonoverlapping home ranges and reproductive success was positively related to body mass, in line with earlier predictions for large female size in mammals.

Late Miocene Sciuridae (Mammalia, Rodentia) from Anatolia, Turkey

Abstract: Isolated cheek teeth of Sciuridae (Rodentia, Mammalia) from nine late Miocene localities in central Anatolia (Turkey) are described. The teeth represent at least 12 different species, five of which belong to the ground squirrel genus Tamias, two to the ground squirrel genus Spermophilinus, one to the flying squirrel genus Hylopetes, and two to the flying squirrel genus Pliopetaurista. One species, Tamias anatoliensis (type locality Altintas 1), is new. An unknown genus and species of giant tree or ground squirrel is represented by one tooth. Two teeth probably form the oldest record in western Eurasia of the tree squirrel genus Sciurus. Seven of the localities that yielded Sciuridae are lacustrine deposits, two are karst fissure fills. Their estimated ages range from MN 9 to MN 13. The majority of late Miocene Sciuridae from Anatolia show affinities with European sciurids of the same period.

Ultrasonic Vocalizations Emitted by Flying Squirrels

Abstract: Anecdotal reports of ultrasound use by flying squirrels have existed for decades, yet there has been little detailed analysis of their vocalizations. Here we demonstrate that two species of flying squirrel emit ultrasonic vocalizations. We recorded vocalizations from northern (Glaucomys sabrinus) and southern (G. volans) flying squirrels calling in both the laboratory and at a field site in central Ontario, Canada. We demonstrate that flying squirrels produce ultrasonic emissions through recorded bursts of broadband noise and time-frequency structured frequency modulated (FM) vocalizations, some of which were purely ultrasonic. Squirrels emitted three types of ultrasonic calls in laboratory recordings and one type in the field. The variety of signals that were recorded suggest that flying squirrels may use ultrasonic vocalizations to transfer information. Thus, vocalizations may be an important, although still poorly understood, aspect of flying squirrel social biology.

Distribution and Status of Indian Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista philippensis Elliot) in Rajasthan, India

Abstract: Distribution and status of Indian Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista philippensis Elliot) have been assessed in the state of Rajasthan, India. A total of 1,704 km surveys were made in southern Rajasthan from January 2009 to June 2011. A total of 86 flying squirrels were encountered at 39 sites of 4 districts and mainly concentrated in protected areas. The overall encounter rate was 0.05 animals/km. Petaurista philippensis was found to be natural cavity dweller and mostly nested on Madhuca longifolia. Hunting, cultural traditions, myths and construction of national highway were found major potent factors for decline flying squirrels’ population.

Food Habits of Indian Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista Philippensis Elliot) in Tropical Deciduous Forest, Rajasthan, India

Abstract: . The feeding habits of Indian giant flying squirrels (Petaurista philippensis Elliot 1839) were studied in the Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, India, from March 2009 to February 2010. Feeding by flying squirrels was arboreal and consisted entirely of plant materials. Based on 5,071 feeding records, 20 plant species belonging to 13 families were used. Madhuca longifolia was the most eaten species (31.85% of annual diet) followed by Terminalia bellirica (17.11 %), Terminalia tomentosa (9.52%) and Diospyros melanoxylon (8.09%). The most consumed food part was the pith (78.06%) with other plant parts (twigs, leaves, bark, flowers, buds, fruits and seeds) comprising 21.94% of the annual diet. Early night was found to be the most active time for feeding, and feeding reduced until 0530 hrs.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Eurasian flying squirrel Pteromys volans (Sciuromorpha, Sciuridae) and revision of rodent phylogeny.

Abstract: In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of the Eurasian flying squirrel Pteromys volans (Rodentia, Sciuromorpha, Sciuridae) was sequenced and characterized in detail. The entire mitochondrial genome of P. volans consisted of 16,513 bp and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and two non-coding regions. Its gene arrangement pattern was consistent with the mammalian ground pattern. The overall base composition and AT contents were similar to those of other rodent mitochondrial genomes. The light-strand origin generally identified between tRNA Asn and tRNA Cys consisted of a secondary structure with an 11-bp stem and an 11-bp loop. The large control region was constructed of three characteristic domains, ETAS, CD, and CSB without any repeat sequences. Each domain contained ETAS1, subsequences A, B, and C, and CSB1, respectively. In order to examine phylogenetic contentious issues of the monophyly of rodents and phylogenetic relationships among five rodent suborders, here, phylogenetic analyses based on nucleotide sequence data of the 35 rodent and 3 lagomorph mitochondrial genomes were performed using the Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood method. The result strongly supported the rodent monophyly with high node confidence values (BP 100 % in ML and BPP 1.00 in BI) and also monophylies of four rodent suborders (BP 85–100 % in ML and BPP 1.00 in BI), except for Anomalumorpha in which only one species was examined here. Also, phylogenetic relationships among the five rodent suborders were suggested and discussed in detail.

Efficient placement of nest boxes for Siberian flying squirrels Pteromys volans: effects of cavity density and nest box installation height

Abstract: To improve the effectiveness of research into the Siberian flying squirrel Pteromys volans, we investigated the optimal placement of nest boxes. Of the 96 boxes which we installed under various conditions at 10 sites, 47 were occupied by Siberian flying squirrels between spring and autumn. Nest-box height was positively correlated with box occupation; 90% of boxes installed at 2-2.8 m height were used. Cavity density was negatively correlated with occupation, with boxes more frequently used in forests with < 2 cavities/ha. Research in Siberian flying squirrels can thus be made more efficient if nest boxes are installed at a height of 2-2.8 m in forests with < 2 cavities/ha, and by doing observations between spring and autumn.

Nest cavity selection by the Siberian flying squirrel Pteromys volans

Abstract: Populations of the Siberian flying squirrel Pteromys volans are declining as a result of insensitive forestry that has removed cavity trees. To conserve the cavities preferred by squirrels, we investigated the characteristics of the cavities they used as nests. We located 100 cavities with >3.0 cm entrance size (which they are able to enter), and investigated their use by the squirrels. We also recorded the entrance heights and entrance sizes of the cavities and the health and heights of cavity trees. The squirrels used 29 of 100 cavities. Entrance size and tree health strongly influenced cavity use, and entrance height had a weaker influence. Tree height was not correlated with cavity use. Squirrels preferred higher cavities with smaller entrances and on live trees. The entrance size of the cavities used was limited to ≤5.0 cm. Squirrels used 38% of live trees but only 14% of dead trees. In addition, the squirrels avoided cavities at low heights. They never used cavities 1.0 m height and with entrance sizes of 3.0 to ≤5.0 cm on live trees were preferred. We suggest that cavities with these characteristics should be conserved to protect the habitats of Siberian flying squirrels. Download the complete issue.

Squirrels of Rajasthan with special reference to Elliot’s Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista petaurista philippensis

Abstract: The chapter is based on a detailed study of the squirrels of Rajasthan. Three species of squirrels are confined to Rajasthan, namely, Common Palm Squirrel and Five-striped Palm Squirrel which are arboreal and terrestrial in nature and the Elliot’s Giant Flying Squirrel or Large Brown Flying Squirrel which is an important nocturnal arboreal rodent. Elliot’s Giant Flying Squirrel has been recorded from dense forests of Phulwari, Sitamata, and Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuaries and avoids agricultural fields, grasslands, and human settlements. It is the next giant rodent after Porcupine in the state which was initially believed to be confined to Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary only, but during recent years, this species has been reported from the southern part of the state. The practice of keeping dried body, bones, and hair of these squirrels by the tribal community known as bhils finds a mention in this chapter. In addition, another belief of the tribal that tying pieces of squirrel bones around the neck of underweight infants and fumigating with burning hairs of squirrel will bring good health to them has also been discussed. Protection of old Mahuwa (Madhuca indica) groves and planting of new Mahuwa trees in the distribution range of flying squirrel and awareness programs in tribal zones have been suggested to protect this species. “Arampura Flying Squirrel Watching Point” of Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary in Udaipur district and “Thala Flying Squirrel Watching Point” of Phulwari Wildlife Sanctuary are regarded as major prospective tourist centers.

Prevalence of Strongyloides robustus in tree squirrels (Sciuridae) in South-Central Pennsylvania and potential impacts for the endangered northern flying squirrel, Glaucomys sabrinus.

Abstract: Strongyloides robustus is a unique parasite that has conservation impacts for sciurid populations in North America. In some squirrel species, like the southern flying squirrel ( Glaucomys volans ), the eastern gray squirrel ( Sciurus carolinensis) and the red squirrel ( Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) , pathology is relatively benign. However in the northern flying squirrel ( Glaucomys sabrinus ), S. robustus infestation can result in high mortality. The objective of this project was to survey the prevalence of S. robustus within the squirrel species currently found in south- central Pennsylvania so that the risk to the northern flying squirrel could be evaluated in light of the parasite mediated competition hypothesis. Fecal samples from eastern gray, red, and southern flying squirrels were obtained through nest boxes, road kills and hunting. A modified Sheather’s sugar floatation was prepared with a specific gravity of 1.27 to evaluate parasite prevalence. Ten of the 40 nest boxes examined had flying squirrel evidence in the form of feces deposited within the nest. Strongyloides robustus was present in 30% of the 10 samples. The prevalence of S. robustus was 77.3% in the 22 road-killed and hunter-killed eastern gray squirrels. The single hunter-killed red squirrel examined in this study demonstrated S. robustus infestation. This study evaluated infection in possible reservoirs that are understudied in Pennsylvania and supported the idea of parasite mediated competition.