HOME RANGE SIZE ADJUSTMENTS BY THE EASTERN CHIPMUNK, TAMIAS-STRIATUS, IN RESPONSE TO NATURAL AND MANIPULATED WATER AVAILABILITY

Home ranges were relatively large in early summer, small in mid- to late-summer, and large again in the early fall. Home ranges were significantly smaller during the 8 weeks of greater-than-median precipitation than during weeks of less-than-median precipitation. Home ranges of 8 individuals out of 12 increased in size during a 3wk drought period relative to their pre- and post-drought home ranges. Differences in home range size between drought and nondrought periods were more pronounced for males than females. Where water was added, chipmunks reduced the size of their home ranges significantly more than control (unwatered) chipmunks. -from Authors