Squirrels Belong to a Large Family of Small Or Medium- Rodents Sized Rodents Called the Sciuridae

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Squirrels Belong to a Large Family of Small Or Medium- Rodents Sized Rodents Called the Sciuridae Form & Emotion Form Studies focuses on the aspects of aesthetics, perception and materialisation of architectural compositions. You will acquire insight in the creative process and how this can help you to come to innovative design solutions. This allows you to gain knowledge and understanding of the various aesthetical outcomes. Form & Emotion is to understand a form with respect to emotions attached to it and come up with a simplified form that describes the attributes of selected subject. By – Manoj Kuldeep Lifestyle Product Designer FORM & EMOTION Assignment 1 – To depict a word/attribute using human posture forms, getting a single form merged in shadow. Objective – To understand form integration. Form generation. Learning – I have learned how 2 different forms or elements are combined to create a single form. Exploring various postures to create a shadow silhouette, with a partner. Understanding of morphing. Assignment 2 - To pick any person and study his/her behavior /body language etc thoroughly and finding out similar behavior in any animal/ food/ color/any living thing. Objective – To understand behavior and features common in two distinct things. Learning – Understanding the behavior, features, body language, emotions of the selected person and showing them using colors. Similarities of behavior, features/emotions etc of a human and a animal. Understanding form and emotions through various mediums. Attributes – Friendly Naughty EXPRESSING FORM LANGUAGE THROUGH COLOR Prabhakar Dabral Student – ADM, Batch 2012 National Institute Of Design Colors which associate with my subject BRIGHT YELLOW - Intuition. Enlightened intellect. Represents playfulness. Gaiety, Joy. Ivory Pink - Friendly. Muddy Pink - An individual who is immature. What do different color means : Royal Blue - Promotes laughter and joviality; colour of loyalty. Brings peace and tranquility to the home. Confidence. Friendship. Success. • BLUE- Gives peace of mind. Represents Spirituality, and religion. The most calming colour. Indicates sensitivity, truth, healing, hope, friendship, physical protection, creativity, patience, wisdom, peace, loyalty. Assists with sleep. Represents inner light. Guidance. • BROWN - Represents the practical. A down to earth approach. Animal magic, Symbol of home, friendship, grounding. Opens energy channels. Eliminates indecisiveness; improves powers of concentration. • CLOUDY ORANGE - Low intellect. • CORAL - Friendship, friends. • Golden Brown - Friendship. Illumination, wisdom. • Golden YellowJoy and Gladness. • Yellow- so much playful and softness. Naughtiness, fun-loving, entertainer • Red – very much friendly, • Pink – soft-spoken, a bit immature, lighthearted person • Blue – very crazy sometimes, but very calm • Black – soft-core somewhere, inner sadness. • White – he make u feel happy or smile dude to his behavior or expressions, u ll become like him. Like white color makes any color lighter when mixed with it. Next task is to take any animal that matches with the attributes of the selected person and study that animal thoroughly in terms of form language. I had selected squirrel, as its attributes matches with my subject. Research on Indian Palm Squirrel • Squirrels belong to a large family of small or medium- Rodents sized rodents called the Sciuridae. The family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots(including woodchucks) , flying squirrels, and prairie dogs. Squirrels are indigenous to the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa, and have been introduced to Australia. The earliest known squirrels date from the Eocene and are most closely related to the mountain beaver and to the dormouse among living species. • Rodentia is the order of mammals known as rodents, characterised by a single pair of continuously growing incisors in each of the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing. • Forty percent of mammal species are rodents, and they are found in vast numbers on all continents other than Antarctica. Common rodents include mice, rats, squirrels, porcupines, beavers, guinea pigs, and hamsters. Rodents use their sharp incisors to gnaw wood, break into food, and bite predators. Most rodents eat seeds or plants, though some have more varied diets. Some species have historically been pests, eating seeds stored by people and spreading disease. • Squirrel is a very special animal. • It is one of very few wild animals that have adapted to humans and learned to coexist with man. •It can live on both natural foods and handouts. • Its large tail makes it the most recognized mammal on Earth. • It amazes us with daring high wire acts, as it races through the tree branches. •The Gray squirrel has been traced back 50 million years, from a fossil record made in North America. •According to ancient Greeks, where Aristotle used the word "skiouros," skia meaning shade, while "oura" means tail. Thus the meaning "he who sits in the shadow of his tail" was recorded. Centuries later the French created a noun "esquirel" to describe this animal. From this the present word "squirrel" was derived. •There are over 365 species of squirrels or squirrel like mammals through out the world. •These are divided into seven families. •The family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots(including woodchucks), flying squirrels, and prairie dogs. INDIAN PALM SQUIRREL • Inhabit most of the northern hemisphere. • Most common of the tree squirrels. India, Sri Lanka and Western Australia • Bushy tail • Three conspicuous white stripes which run from head to tail. • Creamy-white belly and a tail covered with interspersed, long, black and white hairs. • Small and triangular ears. • The Indian Palm Squirrel is about 20 cm long and weighs about 100 grams. • Some squirrels are smart and tend to hibernate in the winter but this particular squirrel is not one of them. LIFE CYCLE • The gestation period is 34 days, • Breeding - grass nests during the autumn. • The young are weaned after about 10 weeks and are sexually mature at 9 months. • One specimen lived 5.5 years in captivity • Most urban squirrels do not even live for one year. This is not due to predators, but rather to automobiles. • Compared to its rural counterpart, which often perishes from the lack of food. What type of trees do squirrels live in? • A tree that offers ready, safe access to food and that includes safe, comfortable living conditions for setting up a home is what tree squirrels [Sciuridae family] look for. In terms of food, tree squirrels prefer access to nuts such as acorns, almonds, hickories, osage oranges, and walnuts. In terms of fruits and vegetables, they look to avocados, cherries, corn, oranges, pears, strawberries, and tomatoes. But they also consider such 'Plan B' food sources as tree buds, blossoms and bark; insects; and animal matter. In terms of living conditions, tree squirrels like the safety of cavities or hollows in tree trunks. But they make do by enlarging abandoned flicker or woodpecker holes. They also turn to building their balloon shaped, spherical nests of bark, leaves and sticks high up in trees with dense foliage and sturdy, tall branches. Whether the particular tree choice is hardwood or conifer depends upon the type of tree squirrel. Generally, the favored trees are pines, oaks, maples, and hickories. Specifically, the Douglas [Tamiasciurus douglasii] and the tassel eared tree [Sciurus aberti] squirrels favor such conifers as jack or Ponderosa pines. But they give serious consideration to paper birch trees. DIET and BEHAVIOUR • Eat mainly nuts and fruits,seeds, conifer cones, fungi and green vegetation. They will eat scrapes from the trash including bread, meat and even snack food. • Squirrels cannot digest cellulose, so must rely on foods rich in protein, • They are fairly vocal, with a cry that sounds like "chip chip chip" when danger is present. • Opportunists in urban areas, can be easily domesticated and trained to accept food from humans. • Naturally active, their activity reaches levels of frenzy during the mating season. • They tend to be very protective of their food sources, often guarding and defending them from birds and other squirrels. IMPORTANCE IN HINDUISM • Considered sacred in India and are not to be harmed. Fed by many Hindu families. This is mainly because of their association with Lord Rama. • An interesting legend explains the stripes on the back of most of the squirrels. During the construction of the Adi Sethu (bridge) at Rameswaram by Lord Rama and the Vanara Sena , a little squirrel also contributed in its own little way. It rolled in the beach sand and then ran to the end of the Sethu to shake off the sand from its back (chanting Lord Rama's name all along). • Lord Rama, pleased by the creature's dedication, caressed the squirrel's back and ever since, the Indian squirrel carried white stripes on its back, which are believed to be the mark of Lord Rama's fingers. Lord Rama and the squirrel is mentioned in one of the hymns of the Alvars. Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 2-3 months 3-4 months onwards Squirrel anatomy THANK YOU ROLE OF SQIRREL TAIL As towel To clean his mouth and body. For balancing. To scare, to terrify enemy. Use of tail to hide in trees and bushes. As a couch – a cover lid for head and body. It heats up their tail to fend of rattle snake. Use as security blanket in winters. Use as a sunshade to protect from sun. Use as parachute when it jumps. To communicate with other squirrels. .
Recommended publications
  • Squirrels and Allies (Sciuridae Spp.)
    Squirrels and Allies (Sciuridae Spp.) There are about 275 species of tree, ground, and flying squirrels throughout the world, ranging from the five-inch pygmy squirrel (Myosciurus pumilio) of Africa to the nearly three-foot giant squirrel (Ratufa indica) of Asia. Currently, there are five species of squirrel found in Rhode Island: The Eastern gray squirrel, the Southern flying squirrel, the red squirrel, the chipmunk, and the woodchuck. Tree squirrels are those species that nest in trees, while ground squirrels nest in underground burrows. This publication is intended to provide information on the above species found in Rhode Island. Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) Gray squirrels are the most common species of squirrel in Rhode Island. They are a tree squirrel, however they spend much of their time on the ground, and have adapted well to human-altered environments. They are commonly found in urban and suburban habitats. Gray squirrels can be grayish-brown, gray or black, with a white or light brown underside. Adults range in size from 15 to 20 inches, and between 1 to 1 ½ pounds. Their bushy tail accounts for almost half of their length. Gray squirrels may live between four and eight years in the wild, but they have been known to live up to ten years in captivity. They are active mainly during the day and do not hibernate. In the winter they spend days at a time in their nests, leaving only to gather food. Their habitat is mainly any wooded area with mast producing trees, where they live in tree cavities or leaf nests.
    [Show full text]
  • Hand-Rearing and Rehabilitation of Orphaned Palm Squirrels, Funambulus Sp
    Hand-rearing and Rehabilitation of Orphaned Palm Squirrels, Funambulus sp. Devna Arora The Palm Squirrel A young 5-striped Indian palm squirrel Palm squirrels are palm-sized rodents with thick, bushy tails that belong to the genus Funambulus and the subfamily Calloscuirinae, a subfamily of squirrels found in Asia. The genus Funambulus comprises of 5 species of squirrels widely distributed in the Indian subcontinent with the subgenus of Prasadsciurus found right up to Iran. For ease of classification and understanding of behaviour, I prefer to group these squirrels based on their proximity to human settlements. The two species of palm squirrels commonly found in urban, suburban and rural landscapes are: • Indian 3-Striped Palm Squirrel (Funambulus palmarum) which has a more southern distribution and is commonly found in peninsular India and Sri Lanka. Rehabber’s Den © 2013 1 Hand-rearing and rehabilitation of orphaned palm squirrels, Funambulus sp. • Indian 5-Striped Palm Squirrel (Funambulus pennantii) which has a more northern distribution in India and in commonly found in central and northern India as well as Nepal, Pakistan and Iran. The two species can easily be distinguished by counting the number of paler coloured stripes on the squirrel’s back. The squirrels range from 22.5 cm to 40 cm in length, which includes a tail of 11–12 cm long, and weigh between 100–200 gm. Data suggests that palm squirrels live on average for 5-6 years in captivity although individuals have been known to live longer. They may only breed seasonally in the northern distribution of their ranges but breed all-year round otherwise.
    [Show full text]
  • Symposium on the Gray Squirrel
    SYMPOSIUM ON THE GRAY SQUIRREL INTRODUCTION This symposium is an innovation in the regional meetings of professional game and fish personnel. When I was asked to serve as chairman of the Technical Game Sessions of the 13th Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Game and Fish Commissioners this seemed to be an excellent opportunity to collect most of the people who have done some research on the gray squirrel to exchange information and ideas and to summarize some of this work for the benefit of game managers and other biologists. Many of these people were not from the southeast and surprisingly not one of the panel mem­ bers is presenting a general resume of one aspect of squirrel biology with which he is most familiar. The gray squirrel is also important in Great Britain but because it causes extensive damage to forests. Much work has been done over there by Monica Shorten (Mrs. Vizoso) and a symposium on the gray squirrel would not be complete without her presence. A grant from the National Science Foundation through the American Institute of Biological Sciences made it possible to bring Mrs. Vizoso here. It is hoped that this symposium will set a precedent for other symposia at future wildlife conferences. VAGN FLYGER. THE RELATIONSHIPS OF THE GRAY SQUIRREL, SCIURUS CAROLINENSIS, TO ITS NEAREST RELATIVES By DR. ]. C. MOORE INTRODUCTION It seems at least slightly more probable at this point in our knowledge of the living Sciuridae, that the northeastern American gray squirrel's oldest known ancestors came from the Old \Vorld rather than evolved in the New.
    [Show full text]
  • Tree Squirrels
    Tree Squirrels When the public is polled regarding suburban and urban wildlife, tree squirrels generally rank first as problem makers. Residents complain about them nesting in homes and exploiting bird feeders. Interestingly, squirrels almost always rank first among preferred urban/suburban wildlife species. Such is the Figure 1. The Eastern gray squirrel is from the deciduous paradox they present: We want them and we don’t and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests of eastern North want them, depending on what they are doing at any America, and was introduced into city parks, campuses, given moment. and estates in Washington in the early 1900s. (Drawing by Elva Paulson) Although tree squirrels spend a considerable amount of time on the ground, unlike the related ground squirrels, they are more at home in trees. Washington is home to four species of native tree squirrels and two species of introduced tree squirrels. Native Washington Tree Squirrels The Douglas squirrel, or chickaree (Tamiasciurus douglasii) measures 10 to 14 inches in length, including its tail. Its upper parts are reddish-or brownish-gray, and its underparts are orange to yellowish. The Douglas squirrel is found in stands of fir, pine, cedar, and other conifers in the Cascade Mountains and western parts of Washington. The red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, Fig. 4) is about the same size as the Douglas squirrel and lives in coniferous forests and semi-open woods in northeast Washington. It is rusty-red on the upper part and white or grayish white on its underside. The Western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus, Fig. 2) is the largest tree squirrel in Washington, ranging from 18 to 24 inches in length.
    [Show full text]
  • FUNAMBULUS SPP., the STRIPED PALM SQUIRRELS 21.1 the Living Animal 21.1.1 Zoology the Striped Palm Squirrels Are Small Rodents W
    CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE FUNAMBULUS SPP., THE STRIPED PALM SQUIRRELS 21.1 The Living Animal 21.1.1 Zoology The striped palm squirrels are small rodents with a head and body length of about 13–15 cm, and a tail which is slightly longer than the body (Plate 29). The two common species of South Asia are the three-striped or southern Indian palm squirrel (Funambulus palmarum) with three white stripes running along its dark brown back, and the fi ve-striped or northern Indian palm squirrel (F. pennanti) with two additional white stripes running on the fl anks, parallel to the three dorsal stripes.1 The most important difference between the two spe- cies is that the fi ve-striped squirrel is essentially commensal with man. It has become almost as dependent on man for food and shelter as house rats and mice, and lives in crowded towns, cities and villages where it shelters in houses, gardens, groves, hedges and in roadside trees. The three-striped squirrel, on the contrary, is a forest animal. It has a particularly shrill bird-like call which it repeats again and again, accompanied by quick jerks of its tail. Both species inhabit the Indian peninsula from the base of the Himalayas southwards, but the fi ve-striped squirrel is more common in northern India, particularly in the drier and more arid portions and extends into the dry plains of the South. The three-striped squirrel predominates in the South, and in the moister parts of western and eastern India. Both species may, however, occur in the same area.
    [Show full text]
  • SRI LANKA Dec 24 – Jan 02, 2020
    SRI LANKA Dec 24 – Jan 02, 2020 40 mammals, 213 birds, assorted reptiles and inverts! Tour operator: Bird and Wildlife Team (https://www.birdandwildlifeteam.com/) Species list key: SS = single sighting MS = multiple sightings SI = single individual MI = multiple individuals P0 = no photo opportunity P1 = poor photo opp P2 = average photo opp P3 = excellent photo opp Species Notes Lifer? Indian Hare MS/MI/P2 Mostly on night drives N Sri Lankan Giant Squirrel MI/MS/P1 Only 2 seen Y Three-striped Palm Squirrel MI/MS/P3 N Layard’s Palm Squirrel MI/MS/P2 Endemic Y Dusky Striped Squirrel MI/MS/P2 Endemic Y Asiatic Long-tailed Climbing Mouse MI/MS/P2 Night drives only Y Black Rat MI/SS/P1 Y Indian Gerbil MI/MS/P1 Night drives only Y Indian Crested Porcupine MI/MS/P1 Night hike Y Small Indian Civet SI/SS/P0 Night drive y Asian Palm Civet SI/SS/P1 Night drive N Jungle Cat SI/MS/P2 Daytime! Y Fishing Cat SI/SS/P0 Night drive Y Leopard MI/MS/P1 N Ruddy Mongoose MI/MS/P3 N Short-tailed Mongoose MI/MS/P3 Y Golden Jackal MI/MS/P1 Y Sloth Bear SI/SS/P0 N Asian House Shrew SI/SS/P0 Seen by LVN and DVN N/A Indian Flying Fox MI/MS/P3 N Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat MI/MS/P0 Y Fulvous Fruit Bat MI/SS/P0 Y Dusky Roundleaf Bat MI/SS/P0 Y Schneider’s Leaf-nosed Bat MI/MS/P2 Y Lesser Large-footed Myotis MI/SS/P0 Y Kelaart’s Pipistrelle MI/SS/P0 Y Pygmy Pipistrelle MI/SS/P0 Y Red Slender Loris SI/SS/P0 Endemic Y Toque Macaque MS/MI/P3 Endemic Y Tufted Grey Langur MS/MI/P3 N Purple-faced Leaf-monkey MS/MI/P3 Endemic Y Sri Lankan (White-striped) Chevrotain MS/MI/P1 Endemic Y Eurasian Wild Boar MS/MI/P2 N Sambar MS/MI/P3 N Chital MS/MI/P3 N Indian Muntjac SS/SI/P0 N Wild Buffalo MS/MI/P3 But were they????? Y Feral Water Buffalo MS/MI/P3 Y Asian Elephant MS/MI/P3 N Blue Whale MS/MI/P2 N John Van Niel ([email protected]) My wife, adult daughter and I arranged a bird and mammal tour through the highly recommended Bird and Wildlife Team.
    [Show full text]
  • Molecular Subtyping of Blastocystis from Diverse Animals in the United Arab Emirates
    Protist, Vol. 170, 125679, November 2019 http://www.elsevier.de/protis Published online date 27 August 2019 ORIGINAL PAPER Molecular Subtyping of Blastocystis from Diverse Animals in the United Arab Emirates a a a b Raed AbuOdeh , Sinda Ezzedine , Mohamed Madkour , Christen Rune Stensvold , c d d a,1 Amidou Samie , Gheyath Nasrallah , Enas AlAbsi , and Ali ElBakri a Medical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates b Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark c Molecular Parasitology and Opportunistic Infections Program, Department of Microbiology, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, South Africa d Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar Submitted March 5, 2019; Accepted August 21, 2019 Monitoring Editor: C. Graham Clark The contribution of Blastocystis from non-human hosts to zoonotic transmission is only partly known. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of Blastocystis genetic subtypes in dif- ferent animal species in United Arab Emirates. A total of 114 stool samples were tested using PCR of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and sequence analysis. Twenty-three Blastocystis-positive sam- ples were identified. The following detection rates were observed: cattle, 22.7%; sheep, 63.6%; rabbits, 33.3%; rodents, 37.5%; reptiles, 21.2%. Four subtypes were identified in this study; ST4, ST10, ST14, and ST17; ST10 was isolated from sheep and cattle, corroborating previous data indicating that these are natural hosts for this subtype.
    [Show full text]
  • Habitat Fragmentation Provides a Competitive Advantage to an Invasive Tree Squirrel, Sciurus Carolinensis
    Biol Invasions DOI 10.1007/s10530-017-1560-8 ORIGINAL PAPER Habitat fragmentation provides a competitive advantage to an invasive tree squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis Tyler Jessen . Yiwei Wang . Christopher C. Wilmers Received: 13 April 2017 / Accepted: 2 September 2017 Ó Springer International Publishing AG 2017 Abstract Changes in the composition of biological (Sciurus griseus) by non-native eastern gray tree communities can be elicited by competitive exclusion, squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis). We tested this wherein a species is excluded from viable habitat by a hypothesis along a continuum of invasion across three superior competitor. Yet less is known about the role study sites in central California. We found that within of environmental change in facilitating or mitigating the developed areas of the University of California at exclusion in the context of invasive species. In these Santa Cruz campus and city of Santa Cruz, S. situations, decline in a native species can be due to the carolinensis excluded S. griseus from viable habitat. effects of habitat change, or due to direct effects from The competitive advantage of S. carolinensis may be invasive species themselves. This is summarized by due to morphological and/or behavioral adaptation to the ‘‘driver-passenger’’ concept of native species loss. terrestrial life in fragmented hardwood forests. We We present a multi-year study of tree squirrels that classify S. carolinensis as a ‘‘driver’’ of the decline of tested the hypothesis that tree canopy fragmentation, native S. griseus in areas with high tree canopy often a result of human development, influenced the fragmentation. Future habitat fragmentation in west- replacement of native western gray tree squirrels ern North America may result in similar invasion dynamics between these species.
    [Show full text]
  • Periodic Status Review for the Western Gray Squirrel
    STATE OF WASHINGTON February 2016 Periodic Status Review for the Western Gray Squirrel Gary J. Wiles Washington Department of FISH AND WILDLIFE Wildlife Program The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains a list of endangered, threatened, and sensitive species (Washington Administrative Codes 232-12-014 and 232-12-011). In 1990, the Washington Wildlife Commission adopted listing procedures developed by a group of citizens, interest groups, and state and federal agencies (Washington Administrative Code 232-12-297). The procedures include how species list- ings will be initiated, criteria for listing and delisting, a requirement for public review, the development of recovery or management plans, and the periodic review of listed species. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is directed to conduct reviews of each endangered, threat- ened, or sensitive wildlife species at least every five years after the date of its listing by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission. In addition, as was the case with this western gray squirrel periodic status review, the Department may initiate a review of a species if a petition is received from an interested person setting forth specific evidence and scientific data to suggest that a species may be in need of reclassification. The periodic status reviews are designed to include an update of the species status report to determine whether the status of the species warrants its current listing status or deserves reclassification. The agency notifies the general public and specific parties who have expressed their interest to the Department of the periodic status review at least one year prior to the five-year period so that they may submit new scientific data to be included in the review.
    [Show full text]
  • Tree Squirrels: Managing Habitat and Controlling Damage
    ■ ,VVXHG LQ IXUWKHUDQFH RI WKH &RRSHUDWLYH ([WHQVLRQ :RUN$FWV RI 0D\ DQG -XQH LQ FRRSHUDWLRQ ZLWK WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV 'HSDUWPHQWRI$JULFXOWXUH 'LUHFWRU&RRSHUDWLYH([WHQVLRQ8QLYHUVLW\RI0LVVRXUL&ROXPELD02 NATURAL ■ ■ ■ DQHTXDORSSRUWXQLW\$'$LQVWLWXWLRQ H[WHQVLRQPLVVRXULHGX RESOURCES Tree Squirrels: Managing Habitat and Controlling Damage issouri is home to three species of tree squirrels: the fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) and gray squirrel M(S. carolinensis), both popular game animals; and the southern flying squirrel Glaucomys( volans), the smallest of the tree squirrel species in the state. These squirrels provide relaxation and enjoyment for many Missourians who spend time observing or photo- graphing wildlife. They seldom pose problems in rural areas, but it is not unusual for them to become a nuisance in urban areas (Figure 1). Occasionally, fox or gray squirrels enter attics and chimneys and cause damage to electrical wiring, siding or insulation. Squirrels may cause damage to home gardens and ornamentals; sweet corn, tomatoes and other vegetables or flower bulbs; and newly planted seeds in urban gardens. Squirrels also can become a nuisance around bird feeders, frightening birds and scattering seeds. Figure 1. Squirrels can become a nuisance, especially in urban areas. Fox squirrels Gray squirrels normally prefer areas with more forest Fox squirrels are most common in urban areas and cover than fox squirrels. Forests dominated by oaks and open woodlots. They are the largest of the three species, hickories are prime habitats for gray squirrels. Gray averaging 19 to 29 inches from nose to tail and weighing 1 squirrels also prefer to spend more time in trees and do not to 3 pounds.
    [Show full text]
  • Tree Squirrel Habitat Selection and Predispersal Seed Predation in a Declining Subalpine Conifer
    Oecologia DOI 10.1007/s00442-009-1496-5 PLANT-ANIMAL INTERACTIONS - ORIGINAL PAPER Tree squirrel habitat selection and predispersal seed predation in a declining subalpine conifer Shawn T. McKinney · Carl E. Fiedler Received: 11 February 2008 / Accepted: 22 October 2009 © Springer-Verlag 2009 Abstract DiVerential responses by species to modern variables were the least important in squirrel habitat selec- perturbations in forest ecosystems may have undesirable tion. Squirrel habitat use was lower and varied more in impacts on plant-animal interactions. If such disruptions P. albicaulis-dominant forests, and predispersal cone cause declines in a plant species without corresponding predation decreased linearly with increasing P. albicaulis declines in a primary seed predator, the eVects on the plant relative abundance. In Northern Rocky Mountain sites, could be exacerbated. We examined one such interaction where P. albicaulis mortality was higher and abundance between Pinus albicaulis (whitebark pine), a bird-dispersed, lower, squirrel predation was greater than in Central Rocky subalpine forest species experiencing severe population Mountain sites. In ecosystems with reduced P. albicaulis declines in the northern part of its range, and Tamiasciurus abundance, altered interactions between the squirrel and hudsonicus (red squirrel), an eYcient conifer seed predator, pine may lead to a lower proportion of P. albicaulis con- at 20 sites in two distinct ecosystems. Hypotheses about tributing to population recruitment because of reduced seed squirrel habitat preferences were tested to determine how availability. Reducing the abundance of competing conifers changes in forest conditions inXuence habitat use and will create suboptimal squirrel habitat, thus lowering cone subsequent levels of predispersal cone predation.
    [Show full text]
  • Controlling Tree Squirrels in Urban Areas
    L-1914 5-98 Controlling Tree Squirrels in Urban Areas Tree squirrels inhabit many parts of Texas. The Tree squirrels feed on a variety of material; nuts, three types of tree squirrels found in the state are fruit, seeds, berries, insects and bark make up the the fox squirrel, the gray squirrel and the flying bulk of their diet. Nesting sites include tree cavities, squirrel. Tree squirrels are interesting animals, but old woodpecker holes, attics, etc. If such places can- in urban and suburban areas they sometimes can not be found, tree squirrels will construct leafy be pests. nests in the branches of trees. Fox squirrels, the most common of the tree squir- rels, are found in east and central Texas. Gray squir- Biology and Reproduction rels, also known as “cat” squirrels, are found in the eastern part of Texas. Flying squirrels are the small- Fox Squirrels est of the tree squirrels, the least common, and the Adult weight: 11/2 to 21/2 pounds. only nocturnal tree squirrel. They are found in the eastern part of the state. Total length: 18 to 27 inches. Color: Brownish-gray with an orange underside. Tail: 7 to 14 inches, bushy. Gestation period: 42 to 45 days. Litter size: Average of three. Litter number: One to two per year, usually born in March or April and again in August or September. Weaning: 10 to 12 weeks. Life span: 4 to 7 years. Gray Squirrels Adult weight: 1 to 2 pounds. Total length: 16 to 20 inches. Color: Grayish. Tail: 7 to 10 inches, bushy.
    [Show full text]