Ryleigh Jones, Dillen Curnutte, Laura Miller, Jacob Hodge, Joshua Snay, Melissa Laux, Michael Johnson, Quinn Carter and Madeline Haase
Sponsor: Benjamin Dolan
This research addresses the gap of knowledge concerning resource partitioning among diurnal and nocturnal small mammal species within temperate forest canopies, emphasizing spatial and temporal dynamics. We want to determine if there is a pattern in how these mammals partition resources over time and what diversity of species is present at various heights. To obtain more information regarding these behaviors, trail cameras were strategically placed at 16 m, 20 m, and 25 m a randomly selected Quercus rubra in northwest Ohio. From mid-August through early November photos were taken using motion-activated sensors in the daytime and regular time interval triggers during the night. Photos were analyzed to determine if there was a temporal overlap in activity of southern flying squirrels and diurnal squirrels like red squirrels and eastern fox squirrels. We will use this data to determine the overlap of squirrel access and the diversity index of each camera.
