Thesis (M. Sc.)--Acadia University, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Boise State University, 2009. / Title from t.p. of PDF file (viewed May 19, 2010). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 41-45).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, Committee on Neurobiology, March 1999. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

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.

Little is known about the adaptive significance of vigilance behavior in grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) in east-central Indiana. Moreover, vigilance behavior in squirrels often differs among habitat types. In this study my objective was to determine if vigilance behavior in grey squirrels differs between areas of low and high levels of human activity.Information on vigilance behavior was collected during 855 times of 10second observation periods. Vigilant behavior was recorded each time a squi`6l stopped what it was doing and became vigilant (i.e., looked about its surrounding) during an observation period. Vigilance was monitored in two areas that differ in the amount of activity (high disturbance area) and the other area received little human activity (low disturbance area) In the wood and open area.Vigilant behavior was recorded from two distance categories (0 - 5, and > 5 meters) with respect to distance the squirrel appeared from the nearest tree or closest squirrel.Vigilance behavior in grey squirrels did not differ between a high disturbance area and a low disturbance area. The data suggested that the role of vigilance in grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) is functioning for predator avoidance and to identification of potential competitors. There was no special pattern variation of vigilance behavior between the different habitats investigated. There was no difference of squirrel vigilance behavior between disturbed and undisturbed wood but there was significant difference of vigilant behavior in disturbed open area and in undisturbed open area. / Department of Biology

Squirrels appear to be unique among sub-primate mammals in being able to see at least some colors. A readily available Oregon squirrel species, golden mantled ground squirrels (Citellus lateralis), which has not previously been tested under laboratory conditions for color vision, was subjected to color discrimination testing in a Skinner box. On the basis of recent physiological tests of color reception capacity and behavioral tests of color discrimination response in closely related species, it was predicted that this species should be able to discriminate blue, green and possibly yellow, but not red. Three experiments were conducted. The first, a pilot study, checked for discrimination of blue from green and blue from gray; subjects were rewarded for pressing on one color, shocked for pressing on the other color. The second experiment, the main part of the study, used one subject tor each of three discriminations: green from gray, yellow from gray, and red from gray. Here, a choice approach was employed: two bars were used, with subjects having to choose the correct one tor each stimulus, receiving a food reward for correct choices and no reward for incorrect choices. Third, a series of tests was devised to check for use of cues other than color as a possible basis for discrimination in the main experiment. These squirrels succeeded in discriminating all four colors, and results of the series of cue tests indicate they were not making significant use of non-color cues. Despite past results, therefore, it was concluded that this species is capable of seeing all colors in the visible spectrum. This result should be of interest to evolutionary theorists and may have important implications for current theories of color vision processes.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Wyoming, 2008. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Dec. 4, 2009). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio University, August, 2005. / Title from PDF t.p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 31-39)

Ecologically, Richardson's ground squirrels comprise and uphold a major part of the prairie ecosystem. However, from a soceital perspective, many residents of the prairies view them as nothing more than 'pests' in need of eradication. The focus of this research is on attitudes, knowledge, and public support for specific management strategies in relation to Richardson's ground squirrels. Measuring human attitudes about wildlife is a growing field of study that can provide important information to resource management personnel. Surveys were administered to rural residents, urban residents, and grade 12 high school students residing in Lethbridge, Alberta or within a 60-km radius of the city. Urban people had a significantly more positive overall attitude score than rural people. Rural people had a significantly higher knowledge score than urban residents. Rural people supported lethal management practices in all areas listed whereas urban people more often supported alternative management practices such as capture and relocation or the introduction of predators. Both urban and rural people believed that overpopulation of Richardson's ground squirrels and the depletion of crops caused by Richardson's ground squirrels were serious problems. Overall, rural people perceived problems caused by Richardson's ground squirells to be more serious problems than did urban residents. Results provide information for decision-makers and highlight areas where education might focus. In addition, a baseline of existing attitudes toward Richardson's ground squirrels is created against which future change in attitudes or knowledge can be measured. / x, 191 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cm.