DELMARVA PENINSULA FOX RECOVERY PLAN

September 1979 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Number I. INTRODUCTION ABSTRACT 1 FORMER STATUS 2 HISTORICAL AND PRESENT RANGE, FIGURE 1 3 DEIJ.IAR\1A PENINSUIA CURRENT STATUS 2 REroVERY PIAN REASONS FOR DECLINE 2 LIFE HISTORY AND POPULATION DYNAMICS 4 HABITAT REQUIREMENTS 5 MORTALITY FACTORS 6 Prepared by: REFERENCES 7 '111e Delmarva Fox Squirrel Recovery Team I I. MANAGEMENT NARRATIVE RECOVERY PLAN OBJECTIVE 9 STEP DOWN PLAN SCHEMATIC lla Tean Members STEP DOWN PLAN NARRATIVE 12 III. ACTION IMPLEMENTATION AND ESTIMATED COSTS Bernard F. Hal.la, Team leader Maryland Deparbrent of Natural Resources SCHEDULE OF ESTIMATEO COSTS, TABLE I 22 Vagan Flyger, Member U'liversity of Maryland PRIORITY SCHEDULE, TABLE II 24 William H. Julian, Ment>er * U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service LEAD AGENCY AND COOPERATORS, TABLE Ill 25 IV. APPENDIX Gary J. Taylor, Member Maryland Department of Natural Resources LIST OF REVIEWERS OF DRAFT RECOVERY PLAN 27 Nelson Swink, Consultant U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Qiy Willey, MeJTt>er U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

* Replaced by Mr. Qiy Willey, Septen'ber 1979.

/I- b~-1'1 ~ Date I. INTRODUCTION ABSTRACT This Recovery Plan is concerned with maintaining existing Delmarva Pen­ insula fox squirrel (Sciurus niger cinereus) populations and with restoration of the squirrel to its former known range which extended from central New Jersey and the southeastern corner of Pennsylvania southward through Delaware, the eastern shore counties of Maryland and the two eastern shore counties of Virginia (that land area of Maryland and Virginia east of the Chesapeake Bay). The Delmarva fox squirrel was probably never numerous in its historic range, and at present is restricted to portions of four Maryland counties and one location in Accomac County in Virginia. Based on the most recent surveys, the largest populations of this squirrel are .located on National Wildlife Refuges and state owned or controlled properties. The reason for the decline of Delmarva fox squirrel population is probably due to major changes in habitat conditions and the increase in human populations throughout the range of the squirrel. The primary objective of the Recovery Plan is to restore the Delmarva fox squirrel to secure status throughout its former range, as described later in this plan. The plan includes the following actions to attain thjs objective: 1) Preservation and management of essential denning and feeding habitat; 2) Translocation of into suitable designated habitats where they are now absent; 3) Protection of squirrel populations through law enforcement, and; 4) Promotion of public support and understanding. The Recovery Plan narrative outlines the proposed time schedule showing actions, in order of priority, to be accomplished and agencies involved, as well as the projected costs through fiscal year 1983. The total cost for the five year period i~ $1,572,605. The largest single cost will be $500,000 for land acquisition. Initial efforts will be directed toward preparing and implementing inten­ sive habitat management plans, to transplanting new colony sized groups of squirrels into new habitats within its former range and to the rescue of threat­ ened squirrel populations for release at pre-selected locations. The Recovery Team will continue to be involved in the decisions regarding cooperative programming and implementation of the recovery plan. It is the firm belief of the Recovery Team that restoration of the Delmarva fox squirrel to its former range can and will be accomplished.

l FORMER POPULATION STATUS FIGURE I Within historic times, the Delmarva fox squirrel was found in south­ r eastern Pennsyl vania (Poole 1932), Delaware (Poole 1944), New Jersey (Rhoads HISTORICAL and PRESENT RANGE 1903), and probably the Virginia portion of the Delmarva Peninsula (Figure of the DELMARVA FOX SQUIRREL 1). Prior to the turn of the century, Delma rva fox squirrels were hunted in southeastern Pennsylvania, where they were often referred as stump- eared squirrels. The type of locality for this squirrel was restricted to fJ!IElm HISTORICAL RANGE Cambridge, Dorchester County, Maryland by Barkalow (1956) - PRESENT RANGE The Delmarva fox squirrel was probably never as abundant as the gray squirrel . Although little is known about its former distribution, it seems l ikely that it occurred in scattered and discontinous fashion since habitat requirements are more specific than those of the gray squirrel. As woodland was altered for farming and forest products, Delmarva fox squirrel habitat gradually disappeared . By the turn of the century, this had disappeared from sout hern New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and re­ mained in Delaware until possibly the 1930's. CURRENT POPULATION STATUS PENNA According to a recent survey, the Delmarva fox squirrel (Taylor and Flyger 1973) is found only in portions of four eastern shore counties of Maryland adjacent to Chesapeake Bay and one location in Accomac County in Virginia (Figure 1). The animal is confined mostly to mixed stands of hard­ woods, often with mature loblol ly , and restricted generally to groves of trees along streams and bays and in small woodlots. Delmarva fox squirrels almost always occur with the gray squirrel. The total number of Delmarva fox squirrels in existence is unknown and any estimate of their numbers would be nothing more than a wild guess. The most stable populations probably occur on Blackwater and Eastern Neck National Wild­ life Refuges , Maryland. REASONS FOR DECLINE The decline of the Delmarva fox squirrel is probably due to changing habi­ tat conditions. This animal was confined to savannah or park like areas, forests bordering rivers and streams , and small open woodlots with little or no under­ story. As the forests were cut for agricultural purposes and forest products, habitat was destroyed. As the forest regrew, dense undergrowth developed at least during the pole and early saw timber stages. Before second growth forests were old enough to develop the open park like conditions they were cut again. Delmarva fox squirrel habitat was not recreated in the cutting cycle and Delmarva

2 fox squirrels declined and disappeared in mal'\Y areas. In the few areas that Fox squirrels are polygamous, and, after mating, the female raises the might have been marginal habitat(s), competition with the increasing numbers young by herself. of gray squirrel was more than the small number of fox squirrels could tolerate. Fox squirrels are more terrestrial then their counterparts, the gray Because of the present distribution of Delmarva fox squirrels along squirrels. Fox squirrels frequently range out into the open fields, sometimes Maryland's waterways and the preponderance of mature loblolly in these a mile away from a forest, something that the gray squirrel would seldom do. areas, many people today assume that loblolly pine is a necessary part of fox Indeed, fox squirrels sometimes come down out of a tree to run over the ground squirrel habitat. This is not the case, since much of the fonner range of this to escape from danger, just the opposite of gray squirrel behavior. subspecies was north of the present distribution of loblolly pine, the northern­ The food habits of fox squirrels appear to be identical to those of the most distribution of which is Kent County, Maryland. Loblolly pine seeds, however, gray (Smith and Follmer 1972). Both species feed heavily on the mast of are utilized as a food item by Delmarva fox squirrels. fruit trees, such as oaks, hickorys, beech, walnut, and loblolly pine. They LIFE HISTORY AND POPULATION DYNAMICS become fat during the fall when food is plentiful. As the season progresses, Life history and population dynamics of the Delmarva fox squirrel are and food becomes scarce, and winter conditions become severe, the will assumed to be similar to other fox squirrels. become thin or emaciated. At such times, mange (Cnemidoptes) , which is probably Fox squirrels belong to the species Sciurus niger, of which 9 subspecies are endemic, develops into a debilitation epidemic resulting in heavy mortality. found in the United States. The distribution of _h niger is almost the same as euring the spring, fox squirrels feed extensively on buds and flowers on trees, that of the gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) except that the fox squirrels do and will consume large quantities of fungi, including some of the poisonous not extend quite as far north, but do occur slightly farther west in the prairie mushrooms, , fruit, seeds and occasionally bird eggs and young. states (Bakken 1952). Some subspecies of fox squirrel formerly occured in New HABITAT REQUIREMENTS England (Goodwin 1935), upper New York State, northern New Jersey and into central Throughout the range of fox squirrels, these animals are more adaptable Pennsylvania, but have disappeared (Rhoads 1903). The subspecies, Sciurus niger than gray squirrels to park like conditions. The latter will utilize larger rufiventer, has only recently started moving into western New York State and forests than do the former and seem to do well in forests with dense undergrowth. western Pennsylvania from Ohio (Hamilton 1957). When settlers first came to Fox squirrels, however, do not normally occur in areas with dense undergrowth Michigan, the state was populated almost entirely by gray squirrels but as land and are often found in savannah areas, oak openings, and in narrow belts of trees was cleared and farmed, fox squirrels moved in and became the dominant species along streams and rivers. {Allen 1943). In the 1930's, 95S of the squirrels shot by Michigan hunters Good fox squirrel habitat contains mature trees which produce a dependable were fox squirrels {op cit). Since that time, some of the land in Michigan was annual mast crop. A mixture of tree species provides insurance against food reverted to forest more suitable to gray squirrels, and, in such cases, fox shortage by failure of one or more species. Survival of young and adults is squirrels have been replaced by grays again (Johnson 1973). It is evident that probably increased by adequate denning sites and studies on gray squirrels fox squirrel distributions have their ups and downs, indicating they would re­ (Burger 1969, Barkalow and Soots lg65) have demonstrated that the provision of spond to habitat manipulation. nesting boxes in areas can double the squirrel population. The same principle Fox squirrels have one extended breeding season, with two peaks, one in probably applies to fox squirrels. February/March, and the other in July/August. The average litter of 3 young Since gray and fox squirrels have almost identical food habits, they are are born naked and blind, after a gestation period of about 45 days (Asdell 1964). competitors. An acorn consumed by a gray squirrel is not available to fox They open their eyes at approximately five weeks and are weaned at the age of squirrels. The same problem occurs with respect to den sites. Where habitats nine-twelve weeks. The mother usually raises the young in tree dens, but where are borderline for fox squirrels, the balance may be tipped in favor of the grays these are not available, whe will construct leaf nests in a manner simi lar to by the overwhelming number of this species that move in from many surrounding· those of gray squirrels. forested areas.

4 5 MORTALITY FACTORS Delmarva fox squirrels may sometimes weigh as much as two pounds and REFERENCES possibly a few ounces more. For this reason, they are not preyed upon by any but the largest birds of prey, foxes and dogs. Even though hunting Delmarva Abbott, C. C. 1890. The Geological Survey of New Jersey, 1890, vol 2 part 2:500. The John Murphy Co., Trenton. fox squirrels is prohibited, some are killed every year by hunters mistaking them for their gray cousins but such mortality is probably of minor consequence. Allen, D.L. 1943. Michigan Fox Squirrel Management. Game Division Publication No. 100, Lansing. Delmarva fox squirrels are not nonnally affected by pesticides because Asdell, S.A., 1964. Patterns of Malllllalian Reproduction. 2nd Ed . of their feeding habits. Squirrels consume soybeans and corn after these Cornell University Press, 670 pp. foods have become mature, at which time they are not sprayed with pesticides because of the danger to humans. Treatment of seed grains with poisons could, Bakken, A. 1952. Interrelationships of Sciurus carolinensis (Gmelin) and Sciurus niTer (Linneaus) in mixed populations, PhD Thesis, University on occasion, cause problems. Although the squirrel diet may range anywhere of Wisconsin, 88 pp. from five to ten percent matter during the sulllller, such insects are Barkalow, F.S. 1956. Sciurus niger cinereus Linneaus neotype designation. usually not the ones that are targets of pesticides. Some highway mortality Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 69:13-20. occurs to Delmarva fox squirrels because of the amount of time that this species Barkalow, F.S., Jr., and R. F. Soots, Jr., lg6s. An analysis of the effect spends on the ground. of artificial nest boxes on a gray squirrel population. Trans. Am. Wildlife and Nat. Resources Conf. 30:349-360. Baumgartner, L. L. 1943 . Fox Squirrels in Ohio. J. Wildlife Management 7(2):193-202. Brown, L.G. and Yeager, L.E. 1945. Fox and Gray Squirrels in Illinois, Illinois Nat. Hist. Surv. Bull. 23(5):449-532. Burger, George V. 1969. Response of gray squirrels to nest boxes at Remington Fanns, Maryland. Jour. Wildlife Management 33(4):796-801. Dozier, H.L. and H.E. Hall, 1944. Observations on the Bryant Fox Squirrel. Maryland Conservationist 21(1):2-7. Goodrum, P. 1938. Squirrel Management in Texas. Trans. N. Am. Wildlife Nat. Resources Conf. (3):670-676. Goodwin, G. G. 1935. The Malllllals of Conecticut, Bulletin 53, State Geo­ logical and Natural History Survey, Hartford, 221 pp. Hamilton, W.J. , Jr. 1957. The Squirrels of New York, New York State Con­ servationist 11(4):23-26. Johnson, W.C. 1973 . Gray Squirrels at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. The Jack-Pine Warbler 51(2):75-79. Lustig, L.W. and V. Flyger 1976. Observations and Suggested Management Practices for the Endangered Delmarva Fox Squirrel. Proceedings of the 29th Annual Conference Southeastern Assoc. of Game and Fish Commissioners. Madson, J. 1964. Gray and Fox Squirrels. Olin Mathieson Chemical Corpora­ tion, East Alton, Illinois, 112 pp.

6 7 II. MA NAGEMENT NARRATIVE Nixon, C.M. and R.W. Donohoe 1968. Squirrel Management in Ohio, Ohio RECOVERY PLAN OBJECTIVE Woodlands 6(1):8-9. The primary objective of the Recovery Plan is to restore the Delmarva Nixon, C.M. D.M. Worley, and M.W. Mclain 1968. Food Habits of Squirrels in Southeast Ohio, J . Wildlife Management 32:294-305. fox squirrel to secure status throughout its former range. The status of the Delmarva fox squirrel can be changed from endangered Poole, E.L. 1932. A Survey of the Marrmals of Berks County, Pennsylvania, Read ing Museum and Art Gallery Bulletin No. 13, Reading, Pennsylvania. to threatened if: 1. The present delineated occupied range does not contract further and; Poole, E.L. 1944 . The Technical Names of the Northeastern Fox Squirrels, J. Marrrnal. 25(3):315-317. 2. Ten new colonies become established outside of the present delin­ eated range. This should include a minimum of three colonies in Rhoads, S.N. 1903 . The Marrmals of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Private­ ly published, Philadelphia. Delaware and Virginia. Such colonies must have been in existence for at least five years and give evidence of expansion beyond the Smith, C. and D. Follmer 1972. Food Preferences of Squirrels, Ecology 53(1):82-91. original number of individuals that were original ly released. Five of these colonies should be on Class I habitat and five on Class JI Taylor, G. and V. Flyger 1973. Distribution of the Delmarva Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger cinereus) in Maryland, Chesapeake Science 14(1):59-60. habitat. The successful completion of this effort will demonstrate that restoration techniques are viable and effective. Taylor, G. 1974. Present Status and Habitat Survey of the Delmarva Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger cinereus) with a Discussion of Reasons for its Secure status (removal from threatened status) of the Delmarva fox Decline. Proceedings of the 27th Annual Conference, Southeastern associa­ squirrel would be attained if twenty additional prospering colonies (in add­ tion of Game and Fish Corrmissioners, October 14-17, 1973 , Hot Springs, Arkansas, Vol. 27:278-289. i tion to the ten above) were established outside of the present delineated range. Habitat classes can be generally defined as follows. As our knowledge of habitat needs for this subspecies is refined, so will the definition of these habitat classes. At present, they are defined as: Class I - capable of supporting 40 or more Delmarva fox squirrels per square mile. Class II - capable of supporting 20 to 39 De lmarva fox squirrels per square mile. Class Ill- capable of supporting 10 to 19 Delmarva fox squirrels per square mile. Class IV - capable of supporting l to 9 Delmarva fox squi rrels per square mile. Class V - not capable of supporting Delmarva fox squi rrel s. Habitats will be evaluated for square mile blocks because the extensive home range of fox squirrels encompasses cropl~nds, fencerows, forest and open spaces. Smaller units would probably be impractical for management purposes . It would appear that the objective of this plan can be me t with the participation and cooperation of the st ates of Mary land, Virginia, Pennsyl ­ vania, and Delaware, and the U.S. Fish & Wild l ife Service, because the

9 8 Delmarva fox squirrel does respond in a positive manner to management. STEP DOWN PLAN NARRATIVE Basic Management Practices for Delmarva Fox Squirrels 1. Existing Delmarva fox squirrel habitat should be protected by 1.0 INFORM PUBLIC TO GAIN SUPPORT FOR PROGRAM planed forest cutting and the prevention of excessive understory development. In order that the Delmarva fox squirrel restoration program become 2. Adequate dens can be assured, either by protection of den trees or effective, it will be necessary to obtain the support of the public placement of nesting boxes. to gain cooperation for habitat management and protection of squirrels. 3. Excessive competition from gray squirrels and other animals may Every practical method for informing the public will be used. One be reduced in release areas, islands, or under other circumstances where of the most effective means of informing the public is to contract this can be accomplished from a practical standpoint. with a public relations firm to provide the state Information and 4. Inordinate mortality can be reduced by protection from hunting, Education Departments with usable material which they can adopt poaching, and predation (such as dogs). and make available to the news media. 5. An adequate and dependable food supply must be provided. Since Project cooperators are expected to work closely with local conser­ Delmarva fox squirrels will range out into open areas to eat corn, soybeans vation organizations to inform them and solicit their participation and other farm crops, food plots may be necessary in some cases. in the program. Such participation will also help to keep the re­ 6. Locate and prepare suitable release habitat within historic range. covery team appraised of threats or potential threats to habitats Translocate small populations of Delmarva fox squirrels to re-establish the containing Delmarva fox squirrels (3.111) and to gain cooperation subspecies in currently unoccupied habitat. Reinforce released population for the management of lands owned or control led by private organiza­ with additional individuals as necessary. tions which are suitable for Delmarva fox squirrel management. The amount of food available seems to govern the size of litters as 1. 1 Project cooperators and recovery team wi 11 prepare annua 1 reports. well as the number of litters. Females may reach maturity at the age of 8 1.2 Prepare and distribute information leaflets. or 9 months, and possibly breed when they are 10 or 11 months old. 1.3 Project cooperators would be expected to prepare timely news media Delmarva fox squirrels are not disturbed by human activities any more information, including participation in radio and television pro­ than are gray squirrels, provided their habitat is satisfactory. Indeed, grams. fox squ1rrels are often the squ1rrels of c1t1es and towns, or parks and 1.4 Prepare a slide program suitable for professional and general edu­ cemeteries in the mid-west. These squirrels can be disturbed in their nests cational use. and handled with minimal adverse affects. Females move the young to another 1.5 Prepare a ten minute film designed for individual showing or used nest if disturbed, but are solicitous and devoted mothers who will not aban­ as a segment in conjunction with a broader pro­ don their young. duction. 1.6 Project cooperators will be available to lecture interested groups. 1.7 A series of exhibits will be extremely useful for informing the public and a portable exhibit will be construe~ which the state Information and Education Departments can use for displays at state and county fairs, conservation meetings, and at other appropriate times. The Blackwater Refuge visitors center will have a display and the trail through the refuge will have informative signs.

10 11 i f

DELMARVA FOX SQUIRREL' RECOVERY PLAN

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12 13 offer the best opportunity for habitat to be protected and managed companies in preparation of plans for their specific needs. for fox squirrels. These areas will be listed and a management prior­ c. Management plan to include management agreement and possible ity established. Management plans will be developed and habitats to lease arrangement to benefit squirrel management (timber lease, protect essential squirrel populations will be designated and preserved. etc.). 2.211 List and describe occupied areas and establish priorities for their 2.223 Implement management plans. Procedure outlined in 2.115 will be management. followed. A. Participating states will list and describe habitats in public ownership. A complete list will be submitted to the recovery team by June 30, 1979. b. The recovery team will establish a priority based on the above listing (2.2lla.). 2.212 Prepare habitat management plans. Procedure outline in 2.114 will be followed. 2.213 Implement management plans. Procedure outlined in 2.115 will be followed. 2.214 The recovery team will make recommendations to the Regional Director on essential Delmarva fox squirrel habitat on public lands by June 30, 1981. The recommendations may be used by the Regional Director to forward to the Secretary as proposed Critical Habitat designations. 2.215 Acquire or lease adequate lands for gene pool maintenance. a. Enlarge Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge fox squirrel habitat by 2,500 acres (accomplished FY 78). b. Enlarge LeCompte (or other suitable area) Wildlife Management Area by a minimum of 500 acres. 2.22 Manage habitat under private ownership. The primary objective of this plan can be met only by involving private lands. These lands must be located and management plans prepared and implemented. 2.221 List and describe occupied areas and establish priorities for their management. a. Participating states will list and describe habitat in private ownership. b. A preliminary 1isting will be submitted to the recovery team during FY 81. c. A updated listing will be submitted to the recovery team during FY 83. 2. 222 Prepare management plans. a. The habitat management plan (2.ll4a) prepared by the recovery team will be supplied to cooperating owners of occupied private habitat. b. Project personnel will offer assistance to individuals and private

14 15 a. Size and type of habitat available to insure adequate survival 3.0 EFFECTIVELY MANAGE POPULATION OF THE SQUIRRELS opportunity. 3.1 Enhance Present Populations and Distribution. Several established b. Conditioning. Squirrels may be placed in enclosures on the re­ populations of Delmarva fox squirrels are known and some will serve lease sites to condition them to new surroundtngs. as the nucleus for further expansion and re-establisllnent of new c. The need to provide supplemental feeding w;Jl be determined, and, colonies within the bounds of its fonner range. To accomplish this if required, will be supplied until natural foods are used by the objective the present populations must be maintained in the habitats squirrels. still capable of supporting these populations. The rescue of threat­ d. The need to reduce competition by deer or gray squirrels and re­ ened populations w111 have priority over other re-establisllnent efforts. duction of fox squirrel predators, if required. The basic requirements of maintenance are to: e. Need to provide fire control or the judicious use of fire to im­ 3.11 Maintain or increase existing squirrel populations. To insure that prove habitat or food supply. squirrel populations do not decrease any further the following tasks f. Maintain refuge or sanctuary status of release site for an adequate must be initiated at the start of the program. period of time. 3.111 Rescue squirrels from habitat about to be destroyed . This will entail g. Increased law enforcement as required to protect release sites and the following steps prior to any rescue operations. squirrels. a. During the first year, cooperators will compile a list from various h. Develop a public awareness of the release sites through all media state, federal and private sources that could supply information forms. and/or may have knowledge of habitats that are threat ened. 3.113 Implement Management Plans. Implementation of approved management plans b. Annual contacts with these sources will be maintained by each coop­ will be initiated when habitat is available and when a releaseable number erator to constantly appraise impending changes. of animals from designated source area or from rescue operations are c. When squirrel habitat is identified as being threatened, squirrels available. The number of such releases (restocking) will be discussed in that habitat will be removed by the best method possible and elsewhere in this plan. released in pre-selected locations. Adequate lead time is essential 3.1~ Re-establish self-sustaining populations in areas based on priorities. to insure maximum numbers of animals are removed prior to destruc­ After habitat requirements are determined, an intensive field survey by tion of the habitat. all project leaders will be undertaken to locate unoccupied potential d. The transplanting will be conducted according to criteria established habitats. by the recovery team cooperators. Factors to be considered are: the 3.121 Conduct pre-release habitat surveys, site selection and establish prior­ minimum or maximum n1.111ber of animals to be released; the necessity ities for releases - will include mapping, cover typing, and degree of for supplemental feeding, nesting habitat requirements; habitat char­ competition to be expected. acteristics; and protection from competition, predation and other 3.122 Criteria for release will be established and will include consideration factors which could induce mortality. After these factors have been of the need for and ability to implement the following measures as called considered, the release will be made by cooperators on the designated for in the management plan (3.112). release areas. 3.123 The following schedule of animals removed from established populations 3.112 Management plans will be prepared by cooperators on each release location. for re-stocking is planned for fiscal year 1979 and 1980. All relocation These plans will be subject to approval by the Delmarva fox squirrel sites will be determined by criteria established in Section 2.121. Recovery Team and must be concurred with by the state conservation agencies prior to implementation by cooperators. The following factors will be considered when management plans are prepared:

16 17 1979 1980 3.31 While the literature on the Delmarva fox squirrel is relatively meager, BLACKWATER NWR 25 25 a considerable amount exists on fox squirrels as a species. A variety EASTERN NECK NWR 25 25 of studies have been conducted on this species, often in conjunction RESCUE OPERATIONS As Available As Available with studies on gray squirrels. Probably little difference exists 3.124 All subsequent releases will be predicated on the availability of between the behavior, habitat requirements, and other biological char­ squirrels in the selected source areas and upon the success of the acteristics of the various subspecies, and that much can be learned by re-established colonies. Delmarva fox squirrel populations in de­ perusal of the literature for application to the Delmarva fox squirrel. signated source areas will be monitored annually to determine if An intensive literature search, therefore, will be conducted to locate sufficient animals are available for restocking purposes. Moni­ those papers concerned with fox squirrel ecology. Such studies may toring on re-established populations will continue for five years suggest ecological relationships with the Delmarva fox squirrel and in­ before any animals are removed for further restocking in designated dicate avenues for investigation and management (accomplished FY 78-79). re-establishment locations. 3.32 Investigations will be conducted concerning population dynamics of the 3.125 Added protection by law enforcement surveillance is needed during the Delmarva fox squirrel. These studies will emphasize an evaluation of post-release period and in the following years. Secure management reproduction, mortality and movements of the animal and detennine how agreements on adjacent lands. these factors are influenced by environmental conditions. Such studies 3.2 Provide Protection will, necessitate the capture, handling, examination, marking and release 3.21 Designate special areas and provide special signs on re-establishment of individuals. Squirrels can be effectively handled with losses less areas to recognize the cooperation of: than 1 per several thousand by employing an anesthetic, methoxyflourane, a. Refuges, sanctuaries, parks, wildlife management areas. which minimizes stress. Animals will be captured by utilizing nest b. Private Holdings. boxes and traps and will be marked by acceptable methods. On these c. Municipalities. studies, the time and the extent of the breeding season, size of litters, 3.22 Provide Law Enforcement. home range of the animals and their life expectancy will be detennined. 3.221 Enforce existing laws . If all existing laws are enforced, particularly 3.33 It is of vital importance to manage habitat to increase fox squirrel with regard to hunting, then maximum protection is afforded. All state abundance. Therefore, analysis of fox squirrel habitat will be com­ and federal enforcement officials will be also encouraged to provide pared with areas having low or medium densities to detennine those as­ protection to Delmarva fox squirrels at relocation sites. pects of the habitat coincindent with high squirrel densities. In addi­ 3.222 A review of existing laws will be undertaken to determine if additional tion, experiments will be conducted to measure the effects of such ac­ legislation will be required to provide adequate protection to restocking tivities as timber harvest, understory control, the reduction of gray efforts. Recorrmendations for strengthening existing laws and regulations squirrel competition, and the effects of providing artificial nesting will be included in the review. sites. Such studies will involve measurements of fox squirrel abundance 3.223 States will endeavor to enact legislation that provides the protection before and after habitat changes and will be carried on in conjunction required. with investigations involving population dynamics as discussed in the 3.224 Cooperators will provide law enforcement personnel with information leaf­ previous paragraph (3.32). lets for public distribution on restocking areas and the status of the Within the present range of the Delmarva fox squirrel habitat, recovery effort, and provide additional protection through increased changes are continually in progress. Forests are being cut, understory patrol. is being reduced by grazing of cattle and deer, and crops of corn and 3.3 Conduct research to learn factors governing Delmarva fox squirrel dis­ soybeans are planted and harvested. An attempt will be made to measure tribution and abundance.

18 19 the impact of such practices on fox squirrel densities. In other cases, special experimental prodedures will be applied to test specific techniques. For example, gray squirrels may be removed from some areas to determine the effects of reduced inter-specific competition. On some woodlots, understory may be cleared by controlled burning or cutting of shrubs and small trees. 3.4 Conduct Status Surveys to Evaluate Recovery Plan 3.41 The literature pertaining to the Delmarva fox squirrel which was sur­ veyed in 1974 and lg7s is confined to papers concerning the scientific names of this animal, plus a few popular articles. At the time of the 1974 literature search, a survey of the distri­ bution of this subspecies was conducted by interviewing knowledgeable persons on the eastern shore of Maryland. This survey, establishing III. ACTION, IMPLEMENTATION AND ESTIMATED COSTS the limits of the animal's distribution in Maryland, made no note of population densities. In order to be able to evaluate the Delmarva Fox Squirrel Recovery Plan, the status of the Delmarva fox squirrel must be measured at the beginnin.g and at intervals while the program is being accomplished. surveys will include personal interviews of knowledgeable people, ex­ amination of nesting boxes, and also by mark and recapture methods. The number of squirrels seen per unit of time is a technique with many pitfalls but, because the amount of effort required is low compared to mark and recapture techniques, this method of determining squirrel den­ sity may be tried. The examination of nest boxes erected in experimental areas is perhaps the best technique for determining the presence and density of fox squirrels. Squirrels captured in nest boxes and by traps will be marked and, during subsequent trapping and nest box examinations, the ratio of unmarked squirrels will provide data useful in estimating squirrel numbers .

20 21 TABLE I SCHEDULE OF ESTIMATED COSTS TABLE I (Continued) 1979-1983 SCHEDULE OF ESTIMATE COSTS Dollars 1979-1983 Dollars ICTION PLAN JES IGNA TI ON ACTION PLAN FY 79 FY 80 FY 81 FY 82 FY 83 DESIGNATION FY 79 FY 80 FY 81 FY 82 FY 83 l. l 1,000 1,120 1,255 1,405 1,575 2.221 500 500 l.2 300 3,000 700 785 885 2.222 2,250 5,000 6,000 3,000 1.3 500 2,000 600 675 755 2.223 200,000 300,000 1.4 5,000 500 1,000 500 1.5 20,000 1,000 1,120 3.111 2,000 2,240 3,300 2,500 2,675 1,000 1.6 500 560 675 755 850 3.112 1,120 1,650 1,250 1,350 l. 7 3,000 5,000 1,000 1,120 3.113 800 1,800 3,150 4,000 4,900

2.111 1,500 4,500 5,000 1,600 1,200 3.121 (~o cost) 3.122 5,000 5,600 8,400 11,200 13,500 2.112 500 560 630 705 790 3.123 (No cost) 2.113 5DO 800 1,000 1,200 3.124 (Covered for FY 79-81 in 3.113) 1,000 4,000 2. 114 1,000 2,000 3,DOO 4,000 4,000 3.125 1,000 2,250 4,000 6, 160 8,400 2. 115 500 560 630 705

3.21 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 4,000 2.121 7,500 8,000 500 3.221 4,200 4,700 5,260 5,890 6,590 2.122 500 2.123 (To be funded in FY 85) 3.222 500 560 675 755 850 2.124 (To be funded in FY 85) 3.223 500 560 675 755 850 2.125 (To be funded in FY 85) 3.224 (No cost-printing previously funded) 3. 31 5,500 100 110 125 140 2.211 500 3.32 17,000 10,000 7,500 8,400 9,400 2.212 5,000 9,000 10,000 6,500 3.33 5,000 3,000 6,000 3,500 7,500 2.213 25,000 50,000 100,000 2.214 1,000 3.41 (Funded under other tasks)

2.215 500,000 TOTALS 49,800 64,920 129,940 338,590 989,335

22 23 TABLE III TABLE II LEAD AGENCY AND COOPERATORS PRIORITY SCHEDULE 1978-1983 1979-19B3 Dollars ACTION PLAN C 0 0 P E R A T 0 R S DESIGNATION LEAD AGENCY DFG VGC HWA PGC FWS PRIORITY FY 79 FY 80 FY 81 FY 82 FY 83 1.1 FWS x x x x l. 2,215 500,000 1.2 HWA (by contract) x x x x 2. 3.41 (Funded under other tasks) 1.3 HWA x x x x 3. 3.31 5,500 100 110 125 140 1.4 FWS (by contract) x x x x 4. 3.33 5,000 3,000 6,000 3,500 7,500 1.5 States x 5. 3. 121 (No cost) 1.6 MWA x x x x 6. 3. lll 2,000 2,240 3,300 2,500 2,675 l. 7 MWA x 7. 2.221 500 500 2. lll States x 8. 2.222 2, 250 5,000 6,000 3,000 2.112 FWS x x x x 9. 2.223 200 ,000 300,000 2. 113 FWS x x x x 10. 2. lll 1,500 4,500 5,000 1,600 1,200 2.114 MWA x x x x 11. 2.113 500 800 l ,000 l ,200 2.115 HWA x x x x 12. 2.114 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 4,000 13 . Z.115 500 560 630 705 2. 121 MWA x x x x 2.122 FWS x x x x 2.123 FWS x x x x 2.124 HWA x x x x 2.125 HWA x x x x

2.211 FWS x x x x 2.212 MWA x x )( 2.213 FWS x )( x )( 2.214 FWS x x x x 2.215 FWS x x x x

25 24 TABLE III (Continued) LEAD AGENCY AND COOPERATORS 1978-1983 ACTION PLAN C 0 0 P E R A T 0 R S DESIGNATION LEAD AGENCY DFG VGC MWA PGC FWS 2.221 States x 2.222 States x 2.223 States x

3.111 MWA x x x x 3. 112 States x 3.113 States x

3. 121 States x 3.122 States x 3.123 MWA x 3.124 States x 3. 125 States x

3.21 States x 3.221 FWS x x x x 3.222 FWS x x x x 3.223 FWS x x x x 3.224 FWS x x x x

3.31 MWA (by contract) 3.32 MWA x x 3.33 MWA x x

3.41 MWA x x

DFG - Delaware Fish & Game VGC - Virginia Game Conmission MWA - Maryland Wildlife Administration PGC - Pennsylvania Game Comnission FWS ~ U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service

26