Edelman, A. J. and J. L. Koprowski. 2005. Diet and tree use of Abert's squirrels (Sciurus aberti) in a mixed-conifer forest. The Southwestern Naturalist 50(4): 461-465.

thackerk1 — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 20:58:17 +0000

Authors

Andrew J. Edelman

John L. Koprowski

Abert’s squirrels (Sciurus aberti) are reported to be dependent on ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests for food, cover, and nest sites. Introduced Abert’s squirrels in the Pinaleño Mountains of Arizona, however, occupy forests that contain little to no ponderosa pine. We documented diet and tree use of Abert’s squirrels in mixed-conifer forests of the Pinaleño Mountains using observations of marked animals. Individuals ate similar food items as Abert’s squirrels in ponderosa pine forests, including seeds, inner bark, buds, and fungi, but 5 conifer species were used as food sources. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and southwestern white pine (Pinus strob- iformis) were the most frequently eaten conifer species. Abert’s squirrels also were observed in all tree species. Our results suggest that the dependence of Abert’s squirrels on ponderosa pine is not as strong as previously reported.

Additional Information

DIET AND TREE USE OF ABERT'S SQUIRRELS (SCIURUS ABERTI) IN A MIXED-CONIFER FOREST

Date of publication:

2005

Topics

Abert’s squirrels

mixed-conifer forests

Pinaleño Mountains

diet

nest sites

conservation.arizona.edu - mixed-conifer forests

Edelman, A. J. and J. L. Koprowski. 2005. Diet and tree use of Abert's squirrels (Sciurus aberti) in a mixed-conifer forest. The Southwestern Naturalist 50(4): 461-465.

Authors

Additional Information

Topics