Gap Crossing in Flying Squirrels: Mitigating Movement Barriers through Landscape Management and Structural Implementation

Abstract

Habitat fragmentation affects flying squirrels despite their ability to cross canopy gaps. If unable to cross gaps, flying squirrels may suffer from limited access to appropriate resources, inbreeding depression, and even extirpation. North American flying squirrels (Glaucomys) have been the focus of limited research on this issue when compared to other areas of the world tackling this problem. However, as all gliding mammals share similar conservation challenges, findings of other species on other continents can be applied to the Glaucomys species in North America. The purpose of this review is to take a metapopulation approach to the problem of gap crossing. This review first discusses necessary habitat conservation strategies for Glaucomys within the patches they reside. The review then discusses patch size and configuration, honing in on maintaining connectivity between habitat patches. Different structures (natural and manmade) used to maintain connectivity are reviewed using gliding mammal literature from around the world. This information is pertinent to North American conservation ecologists and landscape managers, who can use this information to improve habitat connectivity and facilitate crossings of Glaucomys flying squirrels within metapopulations.