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Modelling the distribution of red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) on the Isle of Wight

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Stephen Rushton, Dr Peter Lurz, Dr Andrew South

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Abstract

We investigated the distribution of red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) populations on the Isle of Wight using Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) and a spatially explicit population dynamics model (SEPM) with the aim of identifying management options for red squirrel conservation. The presence/absence of red squirrels in habitat blocks in the landscape was used as the dependent variable and the size and separation of habitat blocks as independent variables in the GLM analysis. Red squirrel presence within a woodland was significantly related to woodland size and the distance to the nearest wood known to contain squirrels. The SEPM-generated predictions on population viability were closest to the field data when a low dispersal distance of 1 km was used. This suggests that squirrel dispersal on the Isle of Wight is restricted. Our results suggest that some large interconnected woodlands should be maintained if red squirrels are to be conserved for the future.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Rushton SP, Lurz PWW, South AB, Mitchell-Jones A

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Animal Conservation

Year: 1999

Volume: 2

Issue: 2

Pages: 111-120

Print publication date: 01/05/1999

ISSN (print): 1367-9430

ISSN (electronic): 1469-1795

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-1795.1999.tb00056.x

DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.1999.tb00056.x

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