Browsing by Author "McCleery, Robert Alan"

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    Aspects of Key Largo woodrat ecology
    (Texas A&M University, 2004-09-30) McCleery, Robert Alan; Lopez, Roel R.
    Development on the island of Key Largo, Florida, has isolated the Key Largo woodrat (KLWR, Neotoma floridana smalli) on approximately 850 ha of remaining habitat. The KLWR was listed as a federally endangered species in 1984, yet there is still only a limited amount of knowledge about its ecology and population dynamics. The objective of this study was to produce reliable information on KLWR ecology to aid in its management and recovery. Specifically, the study examined (1) the trend and status of the KLWR population, (2) KLWR habitat and nesting preferences, (3) the potential of a fatal disease on KLWR, (4) the movements and ranges of the KLWR, and (5) the viability of the KLWR population. I trapped on 60 (1-ha) grids from March to September 2002 and 10 (1-ha) grids in October 2002 and January, April, and July 2003. Additionally I radio-collared 17 KLWRs and tracked them from March to November 2002. I estimated the current population of KLWR to be between 26 and 106 individuals. I found KLWR selected young hammock (disturbed > 1971) over medium (disturbed between 1940-1971) and old hammock (disturbed < 1940). KLWRs selected garbage and rock piles in the young hammock for nesting sites. From the analysis of 64 raccoon (Procyon lotor) fecal samples, I have no evidence that the potentially fatal raccoon roundworm parasite (Baylisascaris procyonis) was present on Key Largo or had negative impact on the KLWR. Telemetry data indicated males have larger ranges than females. Females appear socially tolerant of one another and have significantly smaller ranges than males during the spring and summer breeding season. Results of a population viability analysis (PVA) using demographic parameters from previous studies and my study projected a high risk of extinction for the KLWR within the next 10 years. I recommend the creation of large continuous blocks of young (disturbed > 1971) habitat and the creation of nesting habitat for the KLWR within these areas. I would also advocate a large-scale captive breeding and augmentation of the population along with continued research on the limiting factors that are driving the KLWR toward extinction.
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    Urban fox squirrel ecology and management
    (Texas A&M University, 2007-09-17) McCleery, Robert Alan
    I studied the habitat selection, survival, and anti-predator behaviors of the fox squirrel (Siurus niger) across the urban-rural gradient in College Station, Texas. From two years of tracking the radio locations of 82 fox squirrels, my data suggested that fox squirrels in urban areas selected for use large mast bearing trees that mimicked the habitat features they prefer in non-urban areas and avoided conifer and ornamental tree species. Urban fox squirrels selected to use buildings and non-native grass during certain seasons and showed a tolerance for pavement, including it proportionally in their core-areas. Analysis of radio-telemetry data of urban and rural fox squirrels suggested that the rates of survival and causes of mortality differed between the two populations. At least 60% of the mortalities on the rural site were caused by predation, while < 5% of the mortalities on the urban site were caused by predation. Most of the mortalities on the urban site (>60%) were cause by vehicular collisions. Observations of anti-predator behaviors supported my hypothesis that squirrels decrease their anti-predator behaviors as the human presence increases. Observational data also supported my hypothesis that this phenomenon was caused by habituation. I also found that the time dedicated to anti-predator behaviors differed among urban, rural, and suburban fox squirrel populations in response to coyote and hawk vocalizations. The mean responses to both vocalizations on the rural site (coyote = 45%, hawk = 55%) were at least twice that of those found on the urban sites (coyote = 11%, hawk = 20%). I also used survey responses to questions about squirrel management to test theoretical frameworks linking attitudes to behaviors. My data suggests that beliefs and attitudes that are modified by variables shown to increase accessibility generally correspond better to behaviors. My data also suggests that the inclusion of a measure of previous behaviors will increase the predictive ability of models within different theoretical frameworks. Most importantly for the advancement of a comprehensive theoretical framework, my study showed that composite models combining components of the theory of reasoned action and attitude to behavioral process models out-performed other models.