The Mount Graham red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis) is constrained to the Pinaleño Mountains in southeastern Arizona, USA. The population's endangered status and extensive forest damage from insects and fire warrants a better understanding of habitat variables important for nest site selection. We examined characteristics of cavity (n = 91) and drey (n = 38) nests and compared these to random sites (n = 113). Dreys were found primarily in Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and corkbark fir (Abies lasiocarpa var. arizonica). Cavity nests occurred primarily in aspen (Populus tremuloides) and corkbark fir. Squirrels selected nest sites with higher canopy cover and more corkbark fir, decayed logs, and living trees. Forest management plans emphasizing thinning must consider how altering these habitat characteristics could affect availability and suitability of tree stands for nesting squirrels.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 August 2007
Characteristics of Mount Graham Red Squirrel Nest Sites in a Mixed Conifer Forest
MELISSA J. MERRICK,
SADIE R. BERTELSEN,
JOHN L. KOPROWSKI
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
It is not available for individual sale.
This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
It is not available for individual sale.
Journal of Wildlife Management
Vol. 71 • No. 6
August 2007
Vol. 71 • No. 6
August 2007
Arizona
endangered species
habitat selection
Mount Graham red squirrel
nest-site selection
Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis.