Book Synopsis A Novel Technique for Detecting Northern Flying Squirrels by :
Download or read book A Novel Technique for Detecting Northern Flying Squirrels written by and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ABSTRACT: The northern flying squirrel ( Glaucomys sabrinus ) is currently recognized as a keystone species because of a symbiotic relationship between the squirrel, mycorrhizal fungi, and mature forests. As habitat loss threatens to challenge populations of flying squirrels range‐wide, wildlife managers and conservationists could benefit from new techniques to survey this nocturnal and secretive species. Here, we developed a novel noninvasive survey technique that combined remote cameras with enclosed bait tubes designed specifically for detecting the presence of flying squirrels. We used this technique to survey for northern flying squirrels throughout their range in Wyoming, USA, from May to October 2012–2014. This technique produce average daily probability detection rates of 54% (SE = 0.02%) with greater rates in the autumn (Aug–Oct). Detection rates varied with length of survey and number of camera stations, providing flexibility for managers to modify survey design depending on project objectives. This technique also nullified the risk of capture myopathy, to which flying squirrels may be susceptible when surveyed using live‐trapping methods. Our results suggest that remote cameras combined with enclosed bait tubes can be a cost‐efficient and effective tool in assessing and monitoring population trends in occupancy and distribution of northern flying squirrels throughout their range. © 2016 The Wildlife Society. Abstract : Based on a combination of remote infrared cameras and enclosed bait tubes, a new survey technique was found to be effective at detecting a secretive mammal of increasing conservation concern, the northern flying squirrel. This noninvasive technique provides an economical and efficient alternative to live‐trapping for wildlife managers or conservationist aiming to assess and monitor population trends in occupancy and distribution of northern flying squirrels throughout their range.
