Sherman's Fox Squirrel and Gray Squirrel Compared
Sherman's Fox SquirrelïWhite Oak PlantationïSherman's Fox
Squirrel vs Gray Squirrel
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Sherman's Fox Squirrel and Gray Squirrel Compared |
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| Fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) are larger than grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) and may reach a length of 700 mm and a weight of a kilogram or more (Whitaker 1989). Much natural habitat for this Species of Special Concern in Florida has been altered or eliminated by human encroachment or allowed to deteriorate from lack of natural fires. Because of this habitat loss and modification fox squirrels no longer occupy many areas of Florida. |
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| Gray squirrels are more common in urban areas and in habitats heavily altered by human activities. In areas of sympatry these two species may partition their niches (Edwards and Heckel 1998). | |||
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In addition to the stricking morphological dissimilarity there are differences in habitat preferences. Sherman's fox squirrel reportedly occupies a more narrowly defined niche than the gray squirrel. Edwards et al. (1998) found that Sherman's fox squirrel nested in fewer tree species and had more specific preferences for other habitat dimemsions than the gray squirrel. Gray squirrels prefer hardwood hammocks while fox squirrels prefer long leaf pine-savanna with turkey oak. | ||
| Edwards and Guynn (1995) found that fox squirrels constructed their nests higher in the trees and prefer pines (Pinus spp.) while gray squirrels prefer oak trees (Quercus spp.) See the discussion of Sherman's fox squirrel for a description of the nests of these species. These recent studies may help to explain the predominance of gray squirrels in areas heavily impacted by human activity. | |||
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