Traffic related mortality in a red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) population receiving supplemental feeding
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This paper presents data on red squirrel road casualties recorded in the four-year period 1993–1996 within the National Trust reserve and adjacent suburban gardens of Formby, Lancashire, England. A total of 130 adults and six subadults were recorded as road traffic victims. Road casualties accounted for 65% of the recorded adult mortality (26.7% of the reserve total and 88% in the suburban habitat). Adult males were killed more frequently than females during the winter months. Road traffic deaths were highly seasonal with a clear peak in the autumn months (53.7% of all casualties). It is suggested that this may be related to seasonal variation in foraging behavior and to the abundance of natural and supplemental foods.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 109-118 |
| Journal | Urban Ecosystems |
| Volume | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2001 |