Effects of Forest Density and Human Disturbance on Squirrel Populations

Chase Bennett and Christopher Brennan UNCW Department of Environmental Studies Terrestrial Wildlife Field Methods

Abstract
Using the field method skills we learned throughout the semester we conducted transect surveys at two different locations in Wilmington, NC. We set out to collect data on squirrel populations and variables that may influence their abundance. All of our surveys were conducted in the month of April 2012 at various times of the day. Twelve sets of data were collected at each of the two locations with a total of 27 squirrels recorded.
Gray squirrels at Hugh MacRae Park. Photos by Chase Bennett Fox squirrel: Image courtesy of hiltonpond.org

Discussion
Based on our results, we found that the gray squirrel population density in the UNCW longleaf pine forest is less than that of Hugh MacRae Park. We were unable to record any fox squirrel sightings throughout our transect surveys and therefore will not be able to make any conclusions about the species. Although Gurnell, Lurz, McDonald, and Pepper say 60 individual species are recommended for precise estimates our statistical analysis showed that the gray squirrel populations at the two studied areas were significantly different at above the 98% confidence level (Fig.3). Knowing that the populations are in fact different, we will now consider some of the variables we studied to see if they are possible factors in determining gray squirrel abundance. The first variable we assessed was human disturbance. With an R value of 0.92 our field studies indicate that there is a strong, positive correlation between the number of humans and gray squirrels found in an area. This falls in line with our hypothesis that gray squirrels are less affected by disturbances and are more prevalent in areas with higher numbers of humans. According to Rushton, Lurz, Fuller, and Garson gray squirrels prefer areas with broad-leaved trees such as Oak, Hickory, or Beech though they may live in suburban areas where they can be fed by humans. (Gray squirrels) are capable of accommodation in parks and residential areas where adequate food and shelter are available (Webster, Parnell & Biggs Jr., 1985). The relationship between squirrels and basal area was found to be a slightly positive, yet weak correlation with an R2 value of 0.39. With such a weak correlation between these two variables we cannot conclusively say that basal area is a determinate of squirrel population. However, we feel that the stand basal area does not accurately reflect the differences between our two locations. The areas we sampled for each of the sites produced very similar basal area quantities though they are much different environments. We feel that the correlation between gray squirrels and forest density should actually be negative, since we found a much higher number in the less forested park. We chose to study and compare areas with an abundance of pine trees, knowing that the fox squirrel live primarily in open pine forests. The gray squirrel prefers broad-leaf hardwoods, which are scarce in both studied sites. Gray squirrels are able to adapt to suburban areas, where food sources are left behind by humans or they are directly fed by humans. This is the most likely reason that we found such a higher number of gray squirrels at Hugh MacRae. The natural habitat at both locations was poor for gray squirrels to preside, and according to our professional sources Hugh MacRae is only an acceptable habitat due to human influence.

Introduction
Our group set out to collect data on both the gray and fox squirrel, both of which are found in Eastern North Carolina. We selected survey lines to conduct our squirrel counts along, and used the same transects for each of the six times we returned to the site. We conducted surveys in the morning between 7am-10am, midday from noon-3pm, and in the evening between 3pm-6pm. Transects were selected at two different sites, the longleaf pine forest at the back of UNCW campus, and Hugh MacRae Park. Both sites are predominately longleaf pine with some hardwood trees. The areas of Hugh MacRae that we surveyed were relatively open areas, with grass as the primary undergrowth species. The UNCW forest is thicker in undergrowth and also has a much higher percentage of coverage, with more trees per square meter than the park. The UNCW forest has lower disturbance levels, though it does contain many trails that people use for walking their dogs, biking, and walking to class. Hugh MacRae, being that it is a public park, is a much more disturbed site. In the areas closest to the survey lines we walked there were baseball fields, a picnic area, a playground, a parking lot, and a dog park area that is fenced off from the rest of the park. We hypothesized that fox squirrel populations would be adversely affected by higher human disturbances and less forestation to a higher degree than gray squirrels, and that gray squirrels would be able to live in or use an area of less dense forest and higher disturbance as a landscape complementation to their nest habitat.

Methods
We established two 200 meter transects at each site with at least 50m between each site. Transects were surveyed six times: twice in the morning, midday and afternoon. Squirrel densities were calculated for each area using the equation a/n, where a equals the total area surveyed and n is the number of squirrels. Transects were surveyed six times: twice in the morning, midday and afternoon Basal Area (m) was calculated for each tree located within a 100m (0.01 ha) area at the midpoint of each transect using a diameter tape. Formula: 3.142(DBH/200) DBH = Diameter at breast height The basal areas were then used to find the Stand Basal Area (m/ha) for each plot area. Formula: (sum of basal area)/0.01ha Data were analyzed using functions of JMP 7.

Results
Once the transect surveys were complete we combined the squirrel counts (Fig.1) and calculated the densities at each site. The density at Hugh MacRae 1 squirrel per 4,800m. The density in the UNCW forests was 1 squirrel per 60,000m.
Transect UNCW 1 UNCW 2 HMP 1 HMP2 Squirrels 0 2 3 22 Humans 5 6 18 45 Stand Basal Area 35.49 m/ha 15.44 m/ha 23.81 m/ha 35.32 m/ha

Fig 1. Data collected by site.

The statistical correlation between squirrel counts and stand basal area was R = 0.39 (Fig.2). The correlation between squirrels and human disturbances was R = 0.92 (Fig.3).
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Literature Cited
Gurnell, J., Lurz, P., McDonald, R., Pepper, H. (2009, October). Practical techniques for surveying and monitoring squirrels. Forestry Commission: 1-12. Rushton, S. P., Lurz, P. W. W., Fuller, R., & Garson,P. J. (1997, October). Modelling the distribution of the red and grey squirrel at the landscape scale: a combined GIS and population dynamics approach. Journal of Applied Ecology, 34(5): 1137-1154. Webster, WM D., Parnell, J.. F., Biggs Jr., W. C. (1985). Gray Squirrel. Mammals of the Carolinas, Virginia & Maryland, 121-124.

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Long Leaf Pine stand at Hugh MacRae Park.

Long Leaf Pine forest on the UNCW campus.

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Wilmington, NC ; Map from Google Earth.

Fig 2. Bivariate fit of squirrels by basal.

Fig 3. Oneway analysis of squirrels by location

Fig 4. Bivariate fit of squirrels by humans.

Acknowledgements
Dr. James Rotenberg; Angela Roach; the Environmental Studies Department; the city of Wilmington; the University of North Carolina Wilmington; Dittos