DEMOGRAPHY OF THE PRINCE OF WALES FLYING SQUIRREL, AN ENDEMIC OF SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA TEMPERATE RAIN FOREST

• DOI: 10.1644/bba-033
• Publication Date: 2005-01-04T01:31:25Z
• Authors: Winston P. Smith; Jeffrey V. Nichols
• Keywords: Tsuga; Temperate rainforest

We studied the Prince of Wales flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus griseifrons) in temperate rain forest southeastern Alaska to provide 1st quantitative estimates demography from and test predictions hypothesis that Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis)-western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) is primary habitat for G. Alaska. expected abundance, body condition, productivity, summer overwinter survival would be higher spruce-hemlock (which typically are old-growth forests upland sites [upland-OG]) than peatland-scrub-mixed-conifer (peatland-MC) forest. Mean values minimum number animals known alive density during autumn were upland-OG peatland-MC, both about 2 times corresponding spring values. Age sex composition population was similar among years, between seasons, habitats. Males comprised a larger portion peatland-MC mass Minimum varied years Overwinter less Reproductive females more abundant but percentage reproductive juveniles These results support conclusion northern squirrels. Still, densities those reported several managed unmanaged types Pacific Northwest, some demographic parameters peatland-MC. In Alaska, likely contributes breeding populations reduces risk viability landscapes.