Effects of food and predators on the home-range sizes of arctic ground squirrels (Spermophilus parryii)
We used radiotelemetry to study the effects of food addition and predator reduction on the home-range sizes of adult arctic ground squirrels (Spermophilus parryii) on large-scale experimental grids in the boreal forest of the southwestern Yukon Territory. Home ranges were 2-7 times smaller on food-s...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
NRC Canada
1998
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/1807/354 |
| Summary: | We used radiotelemetry to study the effects of food addition and predator reduction on the home-range sizes of adult arctic ground squirrels (Spermophilus parryii) on large-scale experimental grids in the boreal forest of the southwestern Yukon Territory. Home ranges were 2-7 times smaller on food-supplemented grids than on nonsupplemented grids, regardless of whether large mammalian predators were present. Similarly, core areas (where 50% of activities occur) were 8-11 times smaller on food-supplemented grids. Food availability rather than predator presence primarily determined the sizes of home ranges and core areas of arctic ground squirrels. |
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