Structure and Dynamics of Chipmunk Home Range

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Abstract
This paper reports the results of a study of home range behavior of eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) carried out by a new approach. Focal observation was implemented with the aid of a digital event recorder. From this is developed a quantitative description of the spatial and temporal distributions of behavior within home ranges. These distributions constitute the home range. Use of the home range is extremely irregular. Individual variability overshadows sexual and seasonal differences in time budgets and the spatial distributions of behaviors. Movements radiate from a frequently visited center to less frequently visited peripheral areas. Repetitive movement patterns are superimposed on short- and long-term changes. Different behaviors are distributed at different distances from the center of activity. The concept of home range depends heavily on the methodology brought to bear on it; therefore, the concept is reexamined here in light of this new approach.