Influence of Landscape Configuration and Resource Availability on Northern Flying Squirrel Dispersal
Abstract
Natural and anthropogenic disturbance often leads to habitat fragmentation, a major threat to the persistence of functional metapopulations of wildlife. In order to maintain genetic diversity and ensure long-term persistence of metapopulations, wildlife must disperse through a diverse landscape to reach suitable habitat. The configuration and composition of the matrix through which wildlife are dispersing may limit their ability to reach suitable habitat. We evaluated two northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) subspecies using an individual-based model and stable isotope analysis to understand potential limits to dispersal in fragmented forests. Our data suggests that the configuration and resource availability of the landscape may limit dispersal of flying squirrels, potentially threatening the long-term persistence of metapopulations.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Flaherty, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Wildlife Conservation|Wildlife Management|Forestry
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