Hoarding patterns in the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans)
Southern flying squirrels, Glaucomys volans, were individually offered two size classes of pecans in a 1:1 ratio to establish preference. All but one squirrel preferred small pecans. As relative abundance of preferred food diminished to 0.10, squirrels switched preference. Absolute abundance of either food did not affect caching levels. A difficulty-of-retrieval experiment did not result in switching of preference. No effect of sex on hoarding was exhibited. There was an inverse correlation between individual storing effort and caching levels of the same squirrels tested as pairs, with individual non-storers showing increases in numbers of pecans stored. Animals that were active storers as individuals showed decreases when paired. Total number stored did not decrease significantly when squirrels were offered previously marked pecans. When offered own-marked and other-marked pecans, squirrels did not discriminate. 43 references, 3 figures, 6 tables.
- Research Organization:
- Mississippi State Univ., Mississippi State (USA). Dept. of Biological Sciences
- DOE Contract Number:
- AS05-77EV05461
- OSTI ID:
- 6204692
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/EV/05461-T1; ON: DE85003802
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products. Thesis
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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