Impacy of Humans on the Domestication of Squirrels

The Impact of Humans on the Domestication of Squirrels

Introduction:
How do squirrels' reactions to humans differ between wilderness and urbanized areas? Will squirrels allow us to approach them at a closer distance if they live in an area heavily populated? Does having a refuge nearby affect the distance in which a human can approach squirrels. We have found that in previous studies, the distance between a squirrel and its refuge has an affect on how close they will allow a human to approach. We believe that squirrels living in environments heavily populated by humans will allow closer interaction with humans than squirrels found in less populated areas. When we began this lab, we tried to think of ways in which we affect our own environment. We then narrowed our topic to focus on human impact on wildlife. While looking at the variety of wildlife on campus, we discovered that squirrels are easy to find and we could use them as test subjects. By looking at the distribution of gray squirrels, we have found that the Midwest and some southern areas are heavily populated. By doing this lab, we hope to discover how great of an impact humans have on squirrels. The significance of this project is to see if the campus and its location have a great impact on wildlife, and if so, how great is the impact? Does domestication have an effect on the natural behaviors of squirrels? For example, does human interaction cause squirrels to allow predators to approach at a closer distance endangering their lives and habitats? Do we need to change the way humans affect wildlife? If so, how can we do it?

Materials:
Measuring Tape
Data Tables

Experimental Design:
In our experiment, we are going to explore four different locations in the Oxford area. We need to explore different areas in order to observe the differences that location has on squirrel behaviors. The four locations are: Pfeiffer Park in the woods, Western Campus in populated areas, Western Campus in less populated areas, and Main Campus. In each section, we will test 20-30 squirrels in order to get an accurate sample of data. To test each squirrel, locate a squirrel and approach it at a steady rate. A steady rate is defined as counting "one-Mississippi" between each step. When the squirrel begins to run away, we will measure the distance between the person approaching and the point at which the squirrel began to run. We will also measure the distance between where the squirrel began to flee from to a place of refuge for the squirrel such as a tree. This information is valuable because the squirrels may allow one to approach at a closer distance if the squirrels know that a place of refuge is close by. We will record this data along with information regarding whether or not the squirrel appeared aware of the presence of humans. By analyzing our data, we will be able to determine how great of an impact humans have on squirrels. We believe that our experimental design is statistically sound because the number of squirrels tested is sufficient enough for us to prove our hypothesis. Our results will not be biased because we have laid out specific instructions for conducting the experiment.

Summary of Class Participation:
During our lab day, we will divide into two groups and depart to different locations on campus. These locations will be determined at a later date depending on which section of campus we are lacking data from. In each section, the class will split into groups and use the methods previously stated to help us collect data on our data sheets. We will ensure that the data the class collects can be trusted by demonstrating the methods they should follow.

Timeline:
September 27 through October 15: Do research on squirrels
October 4 through November 7: Collect all data on squirrels in the area
November 7 through November 31: Organize and write lab results and final papers

Literature Cited:
Dill, Lawrence M. and Robert Houtman. "The influence of distance on flight initiation distance in the gray squirrel" Canadian Journal of Zoology 1989: v67: p233-235

Gustafson, Eric J. and Larry W. VanDruff. "Behavior of Black and Gray Morphs of Scirurus carolinensis in an Urban Environment" The American Midland Naturalist January 1990: v123: p186-192
Sharpe, Peter B. and Beatrice Van Horne. "Influence of Habitat on Behavior of Townsend's Ground Squirrels (spermophilus townsend II)" Journal of Mammology August 1998: v79: p906-918

Smith, Andrew T. B. and Donald A. Smith. "Mammals" homepage: http://www.cciw.ca/eman-temp/reports/publications/Mixedwood/mammal/intro.htm

Our Data Sheet could not be posted to the web, see hard copy in class.

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