Using geographic information systems to determine home range of the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans)
Abstract
Home ranges of 12 southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) were studied in the Ouachita Mountains of west-central Arkansas during the winters of 1990-1991 and 1991-1992. Because traditional planimetric home ranges do not account for differences in topography, a Geographic Information System (GIS) which incorporated topography was also used to determine home range. Mean female and male planimetric and (topographical) home-range estimates were 3.8 ha (3.9 ha) and 7.8 ha (9.0 ha), respectively. Differences in home-range size were not statistically significant between sexes, however, home-range estimates of males were more variable. Topographic estimates were significantly larger than planimetric estimates. The GIS more clearly represents home range with respect to habitat characteristics in the context of topographic features and it should be used in future studies.
Publication Title
American Midland Naturalist
Recommended Citation
Stone, K., Heidt, G., Caster, P., & Kennedy, M. (1997). Using geographic information systems to determine home range of the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans). American Midland Naturalist, 137 (1), 106-111. https://doi.org/10.2307/2426759
