Wildlife Species Research

Full Answer Section

• 2023).

Species Phenology:

• Reproduction: Breeds in late winter/early spring (February-April) with litters of 1-6 young (Chesapeake Bay Program, 2023).
• Migration: Not migratory, resident year-round in California (California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2023).
• Activity: Diurnal, most active during daylight hours (NatureServe, 2023).
• Hibernation: Does not hibernate but may be less active during colder months (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 2023).

Species Adaptations:

• Arboreal: Adapted for climbing and living in trees, with sharp claws and a bushy tail for balance.
• Good vision and hearing: Alert to potential predators and food sources.
• Food caching: Stores nuts and seeds for later consumption, ensuring food availability during lean periods.
• Behavioral flexibility: Can adapt to different environments and food sources, contributing to its success in urban areas (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 2023).

Hypotheses:

Most likely camera trap timing: Day or dusk.

• Justification: Delmarva Fox Squirrels are diurnal and most active during daylight hours (NatureServe, 2023). While they may be active at dusk for short periods, daylight activity would likely be captured more frequently.

Other influencing variable: % of tree canopy cover.

• Justification: Delmarva Fox Squirrels prefer habitats with mature trees and closed canopies (Maryland DNR, 2023). Areas with higher tree cover may provide more food, shelter, and protection from predators, leading to increased presence.

Literature Cited:

• California Department of Fish and Wildlife. (2023). Delmarva Fox Squirrel. wildlife.ca.gov
• Chesapeake Bay Program. (2023). Delmarva Fox Squirrel. chesapeakebay.net
• IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. (2023). Sciurus niger cinereus. iucnredlist.org
• Maryland DNR. (2023). Delmarva Fox Squirrel. dnr.maryland.gov

Sample Solution

Delmarva Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger cinereus)

Species Ecology:

Habitat:

• Mature forests with mixed hardwoods and pines (oaks, maples, hickories, beeches) (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 2023).
• Prefer open understory, high percentage of mature trees, closed canopy, and forest edges (Maryland DNR, 2023).
• Found in forests near streams, bays, and agricultural fields (Chesapeake Bay Program, 2023).

Abiotic Factors:

• Temperature: Tolerates a wide range of temperatures but prefers milder climates (NatureServe, 2023). Can become inactive during extreme cold or heat.
• Shade: Mature trees provide shade for resting and hiding from predators (Maryland DNR, 2023).
• Urbanization: Can negatively impact by reducing forest cover, increasing noise and pollution, and introducing predators like domestic cats (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 2023).
• Water Availability: Needs access to water for drinking and may be more active near water sources (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service,