Movements and Habitat Use of Franklin's Ground Squirrels in Duck-Nesting Habitat

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Abstract
We used radio telemetry to determine the movements and habitat use patterns of adult Franklin's ground squirrels (Spermophilus franklinii) on a 152-ha Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) in central North Dakota. The squirrels were diurnal. Mean total distance traveled daily was 213 and 153 m for males and females, respectively. Movements of females decreased during gestation and lactation; those of both sexes decreased prior to immergence. Annual home ranges averaged 24.6 and 8.7 ha for males and females, respectively; biweekly home-range sizes exhibited seasonal patterns. Ground squirrels restricted their activities almost exclusively to the WPA. Use of blocks of herbaceous cover on the WPA could not be explained by vegetation height, density, or litter depth. Ground squirrel movements were influenced by locations of burrow systems and patchily distributed food resources. Periodic cultivation or removal of herbaceous vegetation may inhibit use of upland duck-nesting habitat by ground squirrels.

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