1990/08/28 by A. T. Kantola, S. R. Humphrey, Stephen R. Humphrey · 48 citations
Engineering · Environmental Science · #Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies #Archaeology #Biology #Ecology #Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies #Engineering #Fish <Actinopterygii> #Fishery #Geography #Habitat #Library science #Range (aeronautics) #Rangeland and Wildlife Management #Sciurus #Wildlife
paper · doi:10.2307/1381954
published in Journal of Mammalogy 71(3), 411-419 (Oxford University Press)
openalex publication_date 1990/08/28 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25
The mean cumulative size of home ranges of Sciurus niger shermani was 42.8 ha for males and 16.7 ha for females during a 1-year period. Home ranges shifted position during a food shortage. Males moved long distances before and during the breeding season. Seed production of the two tree species in sandhill habitat was greater on low slopes, significantly so in turkey oaks (Quercus laevis). Longleaf pines (Pinus palustris) produced seeds in each of 2 years, half as many in the second as in the first. The crop of turkey oak acorns failed entirely in the 2nd year. Because acorns of live oak (Quercus virginiana) appeared to be a major food resource, best habitat for Sherman's fox squirrel may be along the edge of longleaf pine savanna and live oak forest. Low diversity and abundance of food resources and their variability in time and space may explain the large home ranges of this animal. Squirrels used leaf nests much more often than tree cavities. Nest counts are recommended for documenting the status of populations of Sherman's fox squirrels. Preservation and proper management of natural, old-growth longleaf pine forests is paramount for survival of this subspecies.