I studied round-tailed ground squirrels (Spermophilus tereticaudus) to determine if presence of water or green vegetation significantly increased reproductive success. I compared the number of juveniles produced, body weights, and diets of squirrels during 1981-84 on 2 plots with green vegetation and no free water, on 3 plots with free water and no green vegetation, and 2 control plots. Reproductive success and body weights of adult and juvenile squirrels were significantly higher (P ≥ 0.001) on plots with green vegetation than on either watered or control plots. Body weights of squirrels on plots with water only and control plots were not significantly different (P ≥ 0.05). Adult squirrels without access to green vegetation during winter and spring failed to reproduce even though free water was readily available. Percent of diet overlap, diversity, and evenness of squirrel diets on control and watered plots were not significantly different. Green vegetation appeared to be the limiting factor for round-tailed ground squirrels.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/276596 |
| Date | January 1987 |
| Creators | Hardy, Danita Sue, 1957- |
| Contributors | Smith, Norman S. |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Thesis-Reproduction (electronic) |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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