Monitoring interactions between red-cockaded woodpeckers and southern flying squirrels
Thomas S. Risch
Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, State
University, AR 72467-0599
Susan C.
Loeb
USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Department of Forest
Resources, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634
Abstract
Although several studies have suggested that southern flying squirrels
(Glaucomys volans) may have a significant negative impact
on red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis) (Loeb and
Hooper 1997, Laves and Loeb 1999), the nature of the interactions
between the species remains unclear. Particularly lacking are data
that address if southern flying squirrels directly usurp red-cockaded
woodpeckers from cavities, or simply occupy cavities previously abandoned
by red-cockaded woodpeckers. Ridley et al. (1997) observed the displacement
of red-cockaded woodpecker by a southern flying squirrel that was
released after being captured. Observations of nocturnal displacements
of red-cockaded woodpeckers by flying squirrels, however, are lacking.
Due to the difficulty of observing interspecific interactions, determining
the mechanisms by which flying squirrels impact red-cockaded woodpeckers
is problematic.
Keywords: cavity nesters, Glaucomys volans, Picoides borealis, red-cockaded woodpecker, species interactions, southern flying squirrel
SREL Reprint #2939
Risch, T, S., S. C. Loeb. 2004. Monitoring interactions between red-cockaded woodpeckers and southern flying squirrels. p. 504-505. In Red-cockaded woodpecker: Road to recovery, edited by, R. Costa, S. Daniels, H.B. Fokidis, and L. Hodgens. Hancock House Publishers, WA.
