Area occupancy and detection probabilities of the Virginia northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus) using nest-box surveys

Abstract

Concomitant with the delisting of the endangered Virginia northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus) in 2008, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mandated a 10-year post-delisting monitoring effort to ensure that subspecies population and distribution stability will persist following a changed regulatory status. Although criticized for the inability to generate detailed population parameters, most distribution and demographic data for the Virginia northern flying squirrel have come from long-term nest-box monitoring. Because live-trapping efforts to generate mark-recapture census data largely have failed due to low trap susceptibility, post-delisting monitoring will continue to rely on nest-box surveys. However, managers will need a better understanding of actual Virginia northern flying squirrel occupancy and detection probabilities to fully use these data.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings from the conference on the ecology and management of high-elevation forests in the central and southern Appalachian Mountains

Citation

Ford, W. Mark; Moseley, Kurtis R.; Stihler, Craig W.; Edwards, John W. 2010. Area occupancy and detection probabilities of the Virginia northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus) using nest-box surveys. In: Rentch, James S.; Schuler, Thomas M., eds. 2010. Proceedings from the conference on the ecology and management of high-elevation forests in the central and southern Appalachian Mountains; 2009 May 14-15; Slatyfork, WV. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-64. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 39-47.