Nest Site Selection and Home Range Size of the Endangered Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel

Jennifer M. Menzel1, John W. Edwards1, W. Mark Ford2, Jane L. Rodrigue2 and M. Alex Menzel1

1Division of Forestry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506

2USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station, Parsons, WV 26287

Abstract We examined nest site selection and home range size of Virginia northern flying squirrels on the Westvaco Wildlife and Ecosystem Research Forest (WERF) and the Monongahela National Forest (MNF) from May through August 2000. Five flying squirrels (2 M, 3 F) were radio-collared and monitored daily throughout the summer. One flying squirrel (M) was located on the WERF and the remaining four squirrels were located on the MNF.

Northern flying squirrel cavity trees were most commonly located on north facing slopes and were located in areas with high canopy densities (>75%). The two tree species most often used as nest trees where birch (Betula sp.) and spruce (Picea sp.). We quantitatively examined nest site selection by comparing 24 measurements taken from nest trees to randomly located cavity trees. Nest site selection differed among the WERF and the two sites on the MNF. At the WERF, elevation and distance to nearest body of water differed significantly between nest and randomly located trees (P<0.05). In comparison, at site one on the MNF, ten of the 24 characteristics differed: elevation, slope, nest tree height, nest height, plot DBH, height of plot, snag height, midstory cover, rock cover, and floor cover. At site two on the MNF, two characteristics differed: elevation and distance to skidder trail. For all sites combined, four of the 24 characteristics differed: cavity height, tree height, elevation, and distance to skidder trails. Cavity height, tree height, and elevation were significantly greater for nest trees than randomly located trees (P <0.05). In addition, nest trees were located significantly closer to skidder trails than randomly located trees (P <0.05).

Male VNFS had larger home ranges than females. The individual at the WERF had the largest home range of all squirrels monitored. Home ranges ranged from 7 to 249 ha.

Preliminary results from summer 2000 suggest VNFS use habitat similarly in industrial forests and less intensively managed forests. Differences found may reflect differences in availability and not in selection. We are continuing to monitor flying squirrels. We plan to use data collected in fall 2000 to determine how VNFS nest site and home range characteristics differ seasonally in the central Appalachians.