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Western Gray Squirrel Recovery Plan

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Western Gray Squirrel Recovery Plan STATE OF WASHINGTON November 2007 Western Gray Squirrel Recovery Plan by Mary J. Linders and Derek W. Stinson by Mary J. Linders and Derek W. Stinson Washington Department of FISH AND WILDLIFE Wildlife Program In 1990, the Washington Wildlife Commission adopted procedures for listing and de-listing species as en- dangered, threatened, or sensitive and for writing recovery and management plans for listed species (WAC 232-12-297, Appendix E). The procedures, developed by a group of citizens, interest groups, and state and federal agencies, require preparation of recovery plans for species listed as threatened or endangered. Recovery, as defined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is the process by which the decline of an en- dangered or threatened species is arrested or reversed, and threats to its survival are neutralized, so that its long-term survival in nature can be ensured. This is the final Washington State Recovery Plan for the Western Gray Squirrel. It summarizes the historic and current distribution and abundance of western gray squirrels in Washington and describes factors af- fecting the population and its habitat. It prescribes strategies to recover the species, such as protecting the population and existing habitat, evaluating and restoring habitat, potential reintroduction of western gray squirrels into vacant habitat, and initiating research and cooperative programs. Interim target population objectives and other criteria for reclassification are identified. The draft state recovery plan for the western gray squirrel was reviewed by researchers and representatives from state, county, local, tribal, and federal agencies, and regional experts. This review was followed by a 90-day public comment period. Responses to many of the public comments are included in Appendix G. All comments received were considered in preparation of the final recovery plan. For additional informa- tion about western gray squirrels or other state listed species, check our web site (http://wdfw.wa.gov/wild- life.htm), or contact: Endangered Species Section Manager Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 600 Capitol Way North Olympia, WA 98501-1091 This report should be cited as: Linders, M. J., and D. W. Stinson 2007. Washington State Recovery Plan for the Western Gray Squirrel. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia. 128+ viii pp. Cover photos by Rod Gilbert (squirrel) and Carl Dugger (background). Cover and title page illustration by Darrell Pruett WASHINGTON STATE RECOVERY PLAN FOR THE WESTERN GRAY SQUIRREL Mary J. Linders and Derek W. Stinson Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Program 600 Capitol Way N Olympia, Washington November 2007 Approved: _____________________________________________________ _____________________________ Director, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Date TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................................... v EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... vi INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 1 TAXONOMY ................................................................................................................................. 1 DESCRIPTION.............................................................................................................................. 2 GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION ........................................................................................... 2 North America .................................................................................................................................2 Washington .....................................................................................................................................4 NATURAL HISTORY ................................................................................................................... 6 Behavior ..........................................................................................................................................6 Diet ..................................................................................................................................................6 Nesting Structures and Use .............................................................................................................7 Reproduction ...................................................................................................................................8 Longevity, Survival, and Sources of Mortality ...............................................................................8 Population Structure, Density, and Fluctuations ...........................................................................10 Home Range, Seasonal Movements, and Dispersal .....................................................................12 Ecological Relationships ...............................................................................................................14 HABITAT REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................... 18 Forest Types ..................................................................................................................................18 Stand Characteristics .....................................................................................................................20 Nest Trees .....................................................................................................................................24 Foraging Habitat and Factors Affecting Food Availability ...........................................................25 Western Gray Squirrel Habitat and Characteristics of Pre-settlement Ponderosa Pine Forest .....27 POPULATION STATUS.............................................................................................................. 28 California ......................................................................................................................................28 Oregon ..........................................................................................................................................28 Washington: Past ...........................................................................................................................29 Washington: Present ......................................................................................................................30 HABITAT STATUS ..................................................................................................................... 38 Past and Present ............................................................................................................................38 Current Ownership and Land Use ................................................................................................39 CONSERVATION STATUS ....................................................................................................... 42 Federal ..........................................................................................................................................42 California and Oregon ..................................................................................................................42 Washington ...................................................................................................................................42 MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES .................................................................................................. 42 Habitat Protection and Restoration ...............................................................................................43 Surveys ..........................................................................................................................................43 Research ........................................................................................................................................44 Outreach and Education ................................................................................................................45 FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT CONTINUED EXISTENCE ................................................ 46 Adequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms ............................................................................46 Habitat Destruction and Degradation ...........................................................................................49 Population Size and Isolation ......................................................................................................54 Disease ..........................................................................................................................................55 Other Human-related or Natural Factors ......................................................................................55 November 2007 ii Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife CONCLUSIONS.......................................................................................................................... 59 PART TWO: RECOVERY ........................................................................................................... 60 RECOVERY GOAL .................................................................................................................... 61 INTERIM RECOVERY OBJECTIVES .....................................................................................
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