PARENT SESSION
Wednesday, August 9, 5:00-6:30 pm
Poster Session 13 - Animal ecology: mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles
Exhibit Hall, Ballroom Level, Cook Convention Center
The distribution, abundance, and habitat use of the Big Cypress fox squirrel.
Munim, Danielle*,1, Noss, Reed1, Waterman, Jane1, 1 University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
ABSTRACT- The Big Cypress fox squirrel (Sciurus niger avicennia) is a state-listed threatened subspecies endemic to South Florida. No accurate estimates of population sizes are available, but populations of Big Cypress fox squirrels are reported as rare and highly scattered in Collier, Lee, Hendry, and Monroe counties. The objective of this project is to assess the distribution, abundance, and habitat use of the Big Cypress fox squirrel in southwest Florida. We documented the historic and current distribution of the Big Cypress fox squirrel by obtaining and mapping occurrence records and through interviews with biologists and other field personnel of public land-managing agencies, private land conservation agencies, and private landowners including golf course managers. We collected information in the form of verified sightings and individuals captured in nest boxes and live traps, and collected tail-tip samples for genetic analysis. Preliminary results indicate that Big Cypress fox squirrels are sighted most frequently in areas of Collier county, while sightings are rare in Hendry and Lee counties. Big Cypress fox squirrels are most commonly found on golf courses and are regularly observed in pine flatwoods. We anticipate that listing decisions and recovery planning will be greatly aided by our findings.
Key words: fox squirrel, south florida, conservation