Abstract
A population of gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis leucotis Gapper) introduced into an isolated forest and park area of 1000 acres is the subject of the study. The squirrels have established themselves in the deciduous and mixed forest areas and in these areas they seem to prevail over the native chickaree (Tamiasciurus douglasii) even though the chickaree is physically dominant. The gray squirrel has not adapted itself to new food sources but has merely narrowed its choice until two species, Acer circinatum and A. macrophyllum, of a genus used on its native range dominate the annual diet. Black color phase predominated over gray (6.5 to 1), the sex ratio was 1 male to 0.645 females, the mean litter size at weaning 1.5. Under these conditions the suitable range is fully stocked and the population is stable. Males roamed over territories of at least 50 acres while females remained within areas of 5 to 15 acres. Thus with polygamy the rule, each male had a theoretical chance of mating with any female. Physical dominance seemed to govern the male actually mating with an oestrous female but the same male did not prevail in each mating observed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
