SPACE USE AND DISPERSAL OF RED SQUIRRELS IN FRAGMENTED HABITATS

Eurasian red squirrels Sciurus vulgaris in fragmented woodlands had a similar spacing pattern as in large woodlands: females had intrasexual exclusive core-areas, while core-areas of males overlapped extensively with core-areas of other males and with core-areas of females. However, in fragmented woodlands, home ranges (site B) and core-areas (both study sires) were smaller than in large deciduous woodlands. Hence, space use and home range size in habitat fragments are strongly influenced by size and structure of the woodlots and, in case of small woodland patches, by the presence of connecting treerows. Juveniles had very small home ranges prior to dispersal, but home range size increased after the dispersal period. In area B only within-population dispersal was observed, while in area K some juveniles moved to another, nearby, population. Only 20% of weaned juveniles settled near the natal home range.