Spatial behaviour of an overlooked alien squirrel: The case of Siberian chipmunks Eutamias sibiricus

Abstract

Alien species of concern within the European Union have been recently listed and their populations need to be monitored, to plan addressed eradication or control programs. Therefore, the assessment of their presence should be rapidly carried out, particularly for elusive species or for those living at low densities. The Siberian chipmunk Eutamias sibiricus is a ground-dwelling squirrel, naturally distributed in northern and eastern Asia. Many introduced populations occur in Europe and Italy too. This species has been listed within the invasive species concern within the European Union and, thus, monitoring is mandatory to manage its potential range expansion. We carried out a hair-tube survey on 31 wood patches in northern and central Italy, where reproductive populations of Siberian chipmunk have been recorded. Hair tubes provided reliable data in assessing the presence of the Siberian chipmunk, with only 1% pseudo-absence and a high detection probability. The occurrence of Siberian chipmunk was positively influenced by study site and by the distance from release site, confirming low dispersal abilities by this species. Dense understorey also affected the presence of chipmunks, preventing them to search for food on the ground and to dig burrows.