Activity and Diet of an Urban Population of Big Cypress Fox Squirrels

Jodice, Patrick; Humphrey, Stephen

The Big Cypress fox squirrel (Sciurus niger avicennia) is listed as threatened by the state of Florida, individuals are secretive, and their biology is poorly known. However, populations in urbanizing areas persist on golf courses, where they are protected, habituated to humans, and readily observed. These populations offer opportunities to study and promote the survival of the subspecies. Consequently, we studied activity and diet of Big Cypress fox squirrels for 1 year on 4 golf courses in Naples, Florida. Percentage of time spent foraging and inactive varied seasonally. Diets also varied among seasons. Seasonal changes in foraging and inactivity were not related to changes in diet or weather, and the seasonal dietary shifts that did occur did not alter the time spent foraging. Mating behavior and young-rearing may have the strongest effect on seasonal activity patterns. The diet of fox squirrels on golf courses was unusual in its diversity within seasons and its stability among seasons. Fox squirrels used foods from both native and exotic trees. The value of golf courses may be maximized by leaving native trees in place and by planting exotic trees with long reproductive seasons. Continuing development of urban areas could threaten the viability of fox squirrel populations on golf courses. Both research and management should be directed at this problem.

Activity and Diet of an Urban Population of Big Cypress Fox Squirrels

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