PARENT SESSION

Systematics/Zoogeography 4 -- Session Chair: Ronald Van Den Bussche-- Nelson Hall East, Goodwin Forum

SELECTION OF SETTLEMENT LOCATION BY DISPERSING WASHINGTON GROUND SQUIRRELS. Kimberly J. Klein^1,2, Robert G. Anthony^1,2 and Gail S. Olson^1,2. ¹ Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 104 Nash Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA; ² Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 104 Nash Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA.

ABSTRACT- The dispersal patterns of Washington ground squirrels determine the potential distribution and degree of gene exchange between breeding groups. In order to determine what factors influence selection of settlement location by dispersing ground squirrels, we collected information on directions and distances traveled by dispersing juvenile males. Dispersal activities were monitored with radio telemetry and modeled in a GIS. The spatial distributions of habitat features including roads, types of land use, soil types, and vicinity to occupied breeding sites were assessed for their influence on selection of post-dispersal settlement areas. Presence of roads and varying types of vegetation were not found to act as barriers to dispersal. Dispersal patterns were found to differ among natal sites.

KEY WORDS: spatial distribution, habitat selection, spermophilus washingtoni, dispersal