Broadcasting American red squirrel vocalizations influences detection probability.

ABSTRACT: Territorial responses by North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) to conspecifics vary seasonally with peaks during mating and dispersal periods. Broadcast of squirrel vocalizations during surveys may elicit territorial defense behaviors such as calling and movement that make individuals more available for detection, with implications for subsequent occupancy and abundance analyses. We examined the effect of vocalization broadcasts on detection probability during point counts throughout a 14-month period at two locations (year-round study) and during two summers at a third location (summer-only study) on Newfoundland, Canada. Overall detection probability based on sight and sound varied seasonally but the use of vocalization broadcast consistently enhanced detection probabili

SUBMITTER: Warkentin IG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11902054 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature