Squirrels Experiment

Abundance of Squirrels in Urban Area versus Wooded Area

York University homes a vast number of animal life including squirrels. The presence of food and shelter, allows for the population of squirrels to grow. However, the factors that affect the growth and presence of squirrels are still unknown. Moreover, it is questioned whether the presence of many students at York University affect squirrel populations. In this experiment, the differences in abundance of squirrels found in two areas: Vari Hall (urban) and woodland are observed. Some factors that affect squirrel abundance are: density of people, resources, presence or absence of animals, and competition. The objective of the experiment is to answer the biological question regarding the differences in abundance found in the two areas and the reasons why they differ. The two ecological theories we based our experiment on are the abundance theory and the intermediate disturbance theory. Based on previous research done, it is hypothesized that squirrel abundance will be higher in urban areas at York University then the woodland area.

The predications made for the experiment is that there would be a higher abundance of squirrels in the urban area with more people in comparison to the woodlot. This is because squirrels eat certain food thrown away by some people. Also, in front of Vari Hall there are many trees a lot of which grow various nuts that squirrels feed on. During this time before winter, squirrels rely on nut gathering to have enough food through the winter season. Competition and presence of animals could lead to the decrease in amount of squirrels based on interactions.

The sampling would take place over two lab periods for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. First sampling would be taken in the urban area at Vari Hall, and the second would be at the woodlot at York University. Each area would be split into quadrants using a map and certain areas would be observed. Recordings of: number of squirrels, overall crowdedness (scale from 1-5) and presence of other animals would be noted and recorded for each area. Experiment would be repeated twice (over the 2 lab sessions) to gain accuracy and meaningful results.

Peer reviewed paper:

The Journal of Wildlife Management, Vol. 31, No. 1 (Jan., 1967), pp. 96-101

By: Charles M. Nixon, William R. Edwards and Lee Eberhardt

Article URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3798363