Browsing by Author "Kelly, Christine A."

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    Predictive habitat models derived from nest-box occupancy for the endangered Carolina northern flying squirrel in the southern Appalachians
    Ford, W. Mark; Evans, Andrew M.; Odom, Richard H.; Rodrigue, Jane L.; Kelly, Christine A.; Abaid, Nicole; Diggins, Corinne A.; Newcomb, Douglas (Inter-Research Science Center, 2015-03-06)
    In the southern Appalachians, artificial nest-boxes are used to survey for the endangered Carolina northern flying squirrel (CNFS; Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus), a disjunct subspecies associated with high elevation (>1385 m) forests. Using environmental parameters diagnostic of squirrel habitat, we created 35 a priori occupancy models in the program PRESENCE for boxes surveyed in western North Carolina, 1996−2011. Our best approximating model showed CNFS denning associated with sheltered landforms and montane conifers, primarily red spruce Picea rubens. As sheltering decreased, decreasing distance to conifers was important. Area with a high probability (>0.5) of occupancy was distributed over 18 662 ha of habitat, mostly across 10 mountain ranges. Because nest-box surveys underrepresented areas >1750 m and CNFS forage in conifers, we combined areas of high occupancy with conifer GIS coverages to create an additional distribution model of likely habitat. Regionally, above 1385 m, we determined that 31 795 ha could be occupied by CNFS. Known occupied patches ranged from <50 ha in the Long Hope Valley in North Carolina to approximately 20 000 ha in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the North Carolina−Tennessee boundary. These findings should allow managers to better define, protect and enhance existing CNFS habitat and provide a basis for future surveys. Owing to model biases, we view this as only a first approximation. Further research combining den selection with foraging habitat use across the full range of elevations, landforms and forest types is needed to increase predictive accuracy of CNFS distribution and sub-population viability.
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    Using Ultrasonic Acoustics to Detect Cryptic Flying Squirrels: Effects of Season and Habitat Quality
    Diggins, Corinne A.; Gilley, L. Michelle; Kelly, Christine A.; Ford, W. Mark (2020-04-02)
    New technologies allow for more efficient and effective monitoring of rare or elusive species. However, standardizing protocol to ensure high detection rates is important prior to widespread use of a new technique. The use of ultrasonic acoustic detectors to survey for flying squirrels (Glaucomys spp.) is a novel method that is more efficient than traditional methods. However, certain methodologies for this technique still need to be refined. During 2015, we conducted a seasonal and habitat quality study on the endangered Carolina northern flying squirrel (G. sabrinus coloratus) in western North Carolina, USA. Our seasonal study examined differences in probability of detection (POD) and latency to detection (LTD) at 30 high-quality sites across 10 survey nights in spring, summer, and autumn. The habitat quality study focused on POD and LTD among 15 sites with varying habitat quality (5 High, 5 Medium, 5 Low) across 20 survey nights. We found POD similar between seasons, with POD 15-20% greater during spring. The LTD was comparable among seasons. We found that POD and LTD varied at sites with different habitat quality. The POD was similar between High and Medium sites (0.26 +/- 0.04 SE and 0.29 +/- 0.05, respectively), but greater than Low sites (0.02 +/- 0.02). The LTD was not different among sites with differing habitat quality, although LTD at High sites was 2.7 and 4.5 times lower than Medium and Low sites, respectively. Trill calls, the most distinctive species-specific call type produced by species of flying squirrels, was recorded at greater rates in spring versus other times of the year. Our results indicate flying squirrels can be surveyed during any season, although habitat quality needs to be considered when determining survey length. For Carolina northern flying squirrel, the optimal time to perform acoustic surveys is during the spring season for 6-10 survey nights at sites with high or medium habitat quality. (c) 2020 The Wildlife Society.