Event Title
The Influence of Microhabitat on Nest Tree Selection of Southern Flying Squirrels
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Biology
Mentor Information
Joseph Jacquot, jacquotj@gvsu.edu
Department
Biology
Location
Henry Hall Atrium 50
Start Date
13-4-2011 9:00 AM
End Date
13-4-2011 10:00 AM
Keywords
Environment, Life Science
Abstract
Southern flying squirrels (SFS) are common in the GVSU ravines, but are rarely seen because they are nocturnal. Twelve SFSs were radio-collared and tracked in the ravines in order to study their winter ecology. As part of this project, eighteen den trees were identified. These trees will be identified to species and their level of decay will be accessed. I will also measuring their diameter-at-breast height, determine the basal area around den trees, and quantify the amount of under-story, mid-story, and upper-story cover around den trees. I will take these same measurements for a set of randomly-selected trees in order to have a comparison group for SFS den trees. These measurements will help determine microhabitat features that are most important in SFS winter den site selection.
The Influence of Microhabitat on Nest Tree Selection of Southern Flying Squirrels
Henry Hall Atrium 50
Southern flying squirrels (SFS) are common in the GVSU ravines, but are rarely seen because they are nocturnal. Twelve SFSs were radio-collared and tracked in the ravines in order to study their winter ecology. As part of this project, eighteen den trees were identified. These trees will be identified to species and their level of decay will be accessed. I will also measuring their diameter-at-breast height, determine the basal area around den trees, and quantify the amount of under-story, mid-story, and upper-story cover around den trees. I will take these same measurements for a set of randomly-selected trees in order to have a comparison group for SFS den trees. These measurements will help determine microhabitat features that are most important in SFS winter den site selection.