Seasonal habitat use in Eurasian red squirrels residing in Iberian hedgerows

Hernández, A. (2014) - Seasonal habitat use in Eurasian red squirrels residing in Iberian hedgerows - Hystrix

Hedgerows are considered habitat corridors for Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris). However,
in north Iberia, a red squirrel population resides in hedgerows separating meadows. This study assesses
seasonal microhabitat selection in this peculiar squirrel population. The detection rate was
higher in winter and autumn than in spring and summer because of the confluence of different biological
and environmental factors. Red squirrels were mainly arboreal, though they used the ground
to some degree throughout the year. The height at which individuals were seen in shrubs/trees was
maximum in spring related to intensive use of high poplars. A seasonal variation in plant selection
was found. Red squirrels selected oaks, ivy and poplars positively in winter, poplars, ashes
and willows in spring, hazels, wild cherries and willows in summer, and hazels, ashes and willows
in autumn, linked with shelter, nest-site and food requirements. Conservation of dense hedgerow
networks with a high diversity of shrub and tree species is encouraged.

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SCI: 

SI

Tipo de Publicación: 

Artículos

Volumen: 

25

Página Inicial: 

95

Página Final: 

100