Habitat selection by two parapatric species of chipmunks (Eutamias)

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Abstract
Eutamias minimus oreocetes and E. amoenus luteiventris are altitudinally parapatric in the southern Alberta Rocky Mountains; minimus occupies the alpine and amoenus occupies the forest. In the field, minimus was captured or observed in or near talus, while amoenus was captured or observed in or near forested areas. Field-experienced individuals of both species selected rock over trees during habitat-selection experiments in the laboratory. Laboratory-raised minimus selected rock over trees, while laboratory-raised amoenus had no significant preference. I conclude that minimus oreocetes has evolved an innate preference for the cover quality of talus because talus is the only cover with vertical depth that is available in the alpine. Amoenus luteiventris may learn to select talus because of its cover quality, but does not inherit such a preference because of the variety of cover types available in the forest. Based on the cues provided in the laboratory, habitat selection does not appear to restrict amoenus luteiventris to the forest, but may reinforce the restriction of minimus oreocetes to the alpine.

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