Thesis (M.S.)--Eastern Illinois University, 1977. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 30-31).

Thesis (M.S.)--Eastern Illinois University, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 41-43).

Thesis (M.S.)--George Mason University, 2007. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Jan. 17, 2008). Thesis director: Cody W. Edwards Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy. Vita: p. 46. Includes bibliographical references (p. 37-45). Also available in print.

I studied the habitat selection, survival, and anti-predator behaviors of the fox squirrel (Siurus niger) across the urban-rural gradient in College Station, Texas. From two years of tracking the radio locations of 82 fox squirrels, my data suggested that fox squirrels in urban areas selected for use large mast bearing trees that mimicked the habitat features they prefer in non-urban areas and avoided conifer and ornamental tree species. Urban fox squirrels selected to use buildings and non-native grass during certain seasons and showed a tolerance for pavement, including it proportionally in their core-areas. Analysis of radio-telemetry data of urban and rural fox squirrels suggested that the rates of survival and causes of mortality differed between the two populations. At least 60% of the mortalities on the rural site were caused by predation, while < 5% of the mortalities on the urban site were caused by predation. Most of the mortalities on the urban site (>60%) were cause by vehicular collisions. Observations of anti-predator behaviors supported my hypothesis that squirrels decrease their anti-predator behaviors as the human presence increases. Observational data also supported my hypothesis that this phenomenon was caused by habituation. I also found that the time dedicated to anti-predator behaviors differed among urban, rural, and suburban fox squirrel populations in response to coyote and hawk vocalizations. The mean responses to both vocalizations on the rural site (coyote = 45%, hawk = 55%) were at least twice that of those found on the urban sites (coyote = 11%, hawk = 20%). I also used survey responses to questions about squirrel management to test theoretical frameworks linking attitudes to behaviors. My data suggests that beliefs and attitudes that are modified by variables shown to increase accessibility generally correspond better to behaviors. My data also suggests that the inclusion of a measure of previous behaviors will increase the predictive ability of models within different theoretical frameworks. Most importantly for the advancement of a comprehensive theoretical framework, my study showed that composite models combining components of the theory of reasoned action and attitude to behavioral process models out-performed other models.

I studied the habitat selection, survival, and anti-predator behaviors of the fox squirrel (Siurus niger) across the urban-rural gradient in College Station, Texas. From two years of tracking the radio locations of 82 fox squirrels, my data suggested that fox squirrels in urban areas selected for use large mast bearing trees that mimicked the habitat features they prefer in non-urban areas and avoided conifer and ornamental tree species. Urban fox squirrels selected to use buildings and non-native grass during certain seasons and showed a tolerance for pavement, including it proportionally in their core-areas. Analysis of radio-telemetry data of urban and rural fox squirrels suggested that the rates of survival and causes of mortality differed between the two populations. At least 60% of the mortalities on the rural site were caused by predation, while < 5% of the mortalities on the urban site were caused by predation. Most of the mortalities on the urban site (>60%) were cause by vehicular collisions. Observations of anti-predator behaviors supported my hypothesis that squirrels decrease their anti-predator behaviors as the human presence increases. Observational data also supported my hypothesis that this phenomenon was caused by habituation. I also found that the time dedicated to anti-predator behaviors differed among urban, rural, and suburban fox squirrel populations in response to coyote and hawk vocalizations. The mean responses to both vocalizations on the rural site (coyote = 45%, hawk = 55%) were at least twice that of those found on the urban sites (coyote = 11%, hawk = 20%). I also used survey responses to questions about squirrel management to test theoretical frameworks linking attitudes to behaviors. My data suggests that beliefs and attitudes that are modified by variables shown to increase accessibility generally correspond better to behaviors. My data also suggests that the inclusion of a measure of previous behaviors will increase the predictive ability of models within different theoretical frameworks. Most importantly for the advancement of a comprehensive theoretical framework, my study showed that composite models combining components of the theory of reasoned action and attitude to behavioral process models out-performed other models.

Thesis (M.S.)--Eastern Illinois University, 1977. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 34-36).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1952. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [180]-188).

The eastern fox squirrel, native to the eastern and midwestern United States, was recently documented in the Sonoran Desert in the vicinity of Yuma, Arizona, constituting the first state record for this species. We surveyed the people of Yuma to determine when and how the squirrels arrived. The squirrels were first observed in the 1960s, but may have been resident for a longer period. Since the 1960s, squirrels have spread throughout the city limits and extended south similar to 15 km into Somerton, Arizona. How the squirrels arrived is not clear, but must be the result of an introduction, as no nearby populations exist. The persistence of eastern fox squirrels in this unique habitat is due to synanthropic relationships.

Human population growth and development reduce the area and quality of natural communities and lead to a reduction of populations of the species associated with them. Certain species can be useful indicators or "focal species" for determining the quality of ecosystem remnants and the required management practices. Tree squirrels are good models for studies on the effects of fragmentation because they depend on mature forests. The Big Cypress fox squirrel, (Sciurus niger avicennia), a state-listed Threatened subspecies endemic to south Florida, appears sensitive to habitat fragmentation and fire regime. This research aims to assess the conservation status of the Big Cypress fox squirrel. I documented the current distribution of the fox squirrel by obtaining and mapping occurrence records and through interviews with biologists and other field personnel of public land-managing agencies, and private landowners including golf course managers. Transect sampling was used to survey and sample natural areas and private lands to evaluate the distribution, abundance, and habitat use of fox squirrels. Natural areas and suburban areas appear to support Big Cypress fox squirrels, but individuals are widely distributed and only found in low numbers throughout southwest Florida. The distribution of fox squirrel populations depends on land use and understory height, but not the size of trees. Fire suppression has resulted in a dense understory in large portions of parks and preserve lands, which is unsuitable for fox squirrels.

After decades of suppression, fire is returning to forests of western United States. Understanding responses of wildlife species to fire is essential to native species conservation because contemporary fires may not have the same effects on forest structure and landscape patterns as historical fires. I used radio-telemetry to investigate effects of fire severity and heterogeneity on habitat selection of Mexican fox squirrels, Sciurus nayaritensis chiricahuae. Vegetation within home ranges was characterized by more open understory and larger trees than random locations. Squirrels used areas burned at low severity more than unburned areas and those burned at higher severities. Squirrels used areas of moderate burn heterogeneity more than areas of low or high heterogeneity. Return of low-severity fire can help restore habitat for Mexican fox squirrels and other native species in forests with a historical regime of low-severity fire and contribute to understanding of the role of fire in forest ecosystems.