Habitat selection in a fluctuating ground squirrel population: Density-dependence and fitness consequences.

ABSTRACT: Investigating individual-based habitat settlement decisions is a central theme in ecology, yet studies that quantify density-dependent habitat selection or tie fitness to resource selection decisions remain rare. We quantified habitat selection in golden-mantled ground squirrels (Callospermophilus lateralis) across two spatial scales (home-range placement, and occurrence within the home range) by using 11 consecutive years of data on individual space use, and we used resource selection functions and multilevel modeling to address how habitat preferences may be influenced by density or linked to fitness outcomes. Squirrels preferred dry meadow over other habitat types (wet meadow, aspen, spruce, and willow) at both spatial scales. Squirrels were more likely to use dry meadow that con

SUBMITTER: Aliperti JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9424181 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature