Resource Partitioning in Four Sympatric Species of Eutamias in the Northern Sierra Nevada

DOCTORATE DISSERTATION: In this present study, (the researcher) sought to determine if there are differences in resource utilization among four species of Eutamias, western chipmunks, which are sympatric in an area east of Donner Pass, Nevada County, CA. The four species (Eutamias amoenus, E. speciosus, E. senex, and E. quadrimaculatus) are genuinely sympatric. The ultimate intention of the project was to determine the possible role of competition in the distribution of these chipmunks. Detailed vegetational analysis was done to be able to compare habitats of the different species quantitatively to establish whether consistent habitat preference exists and what specific structural factors in the habitat contributed to it.