Movements, Site Fidelity and Survival of Delmarva Fox Squirrels Following Translocation

Abstract

-Twenty wild-trapped Delmarva fox squirrels (Sciurus niger cinereus) were translocated from core population areas to a release site within their former range in Maryland. Squirrels were equipped with radio-collars and released during midspring and midautumn and monitored at least 90 days postrelease. Nine known deaths occurred during the study, five within the 1st 35 days. All translocated squirrels remained on the release site. The mean distance moved from the point of release was 589 m (n = 15). The ranges for males (n = 5) and females (n = 10) were similar (P = 0.743). Midspring released squirrels (n = 8) ranged further from the point of release than those translocated in midautumn (n = 7) (P = 0.043). Seasonal differences in movement appeared to be influenced by habitat. Delmarva fox squirrels used certain forest types in greater proportion than available and habitat use differed between seasons.