WLF 201
Lab 8 - Squirrel Indices in UAF biological reserve

 Measurements of variables related to abundance (indices) are frequently collected as an alternative to rigorous sampling and estimation.  The reliability of an index for monitoring abundance may be compromised because factors unrelated to abundance (e.g., weather) may affect spatial and temporal variation in the index.  Protocols for collected indices must therefore be highly standardized to minimize the effects of extraneous variables on indices.  Today, we will use a highly standardized protocol to obtain an index of Red Squirrel abundance (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, http://sevilleta.unm.edu/data/species/mammal/socorro/profile/red-squirrel.html).  We will walk the same transect, in the same manner in the UAF biological reserve  to collect indices of abundance for Red Squirrels, a common resident of the northern boreal forest.  The transect we will sample is the Pooch Loop.  You walk the transect and just barely keep the person in front of  you in sight so you don’t get lost and the data you collect is independent. 

We will be walking around for about 1.5 hours in the winter woods, so make sure you wear appropriate winter clothing.  I suggest that you layer your clothing, so you can shed some layers as you warm-up.  You might want to carry a backpack for your shed clothing and to carry any snacks or a water bottle.  We will meet in room 303 at 2:15pm to begin the lab.

Data Collection

We will index red squirrel abundance by counting tracks and listening for calls.  We will show you some tracks before we leave.  You will record every squirrel track that you detect crossing your path.  This measure is relative so we are not concerned if each track represents the same or a different animal.  COUNT EVERY SET OF SQUIRREL TRACKS THAT CROSS THE PATH!  If you see a squirrel runway (path of heavy use), only record this as a single track.  Additionally, we will index relative abundance by listening for squirrel calls or squirrel chatter.  For this index, you will count the number of times you hear a squirrel give a chirp or chatter while you are walking the transect.