top of page
Long-term study of California ground squirrels
1. Observing California ground squirrels and other mammals across temporal scales
In 2020-2023, camera traps were set up in two different field sites: one with more human activity and one with almost no human activity. Using digiKam, an image software organizer, and the R statistical package “camtrapR,” we report on the variation in the visitation rates by mammals across space and time to uncover the interrelationships among multiple species within the park. Our dataset documents the activity patterns of mammals and offers insights into the potential effects of visitation by humans on the lives of these mammals.
2. Field Work in Long-term study of California ground squirrels
In the summer of 2023 and 2024, I worked in California at Briones Regional Park on California Ground Squirrels. Monday through Wednesdays, we would trap, tag, mark, and collect fecal and flea samples from squirrels. Once we returned from the field, we organized the fecal and flea samples and prepared our equipment for the next day. On Thursday and Fridays, we observed squirrel behavior.
2. Vole hunting: novel predatory and carnivorous behavior by California ground squirrels
Following an unusual peak in numbers of California voles across parts of California, we document the novel emergence of widespread hunting and carnivorous feeding behavior by California ground squirrels. Over two months in the twelfth year of a long-term study on the squirrel population we document 74 events of ground squirrels of all age and sex categories engaging in predation of, consumption of, or competition over vole prey. We document this with video footage and photographic evidence to provide new insights into the ecological circumstances favoring the emergence of opportunistic hunting and carnivorous behaviors in a largely granivorous mammal.
Activity patterns of Wisconsin Beaver
1. Observing the temporal and spatial behaviors of Wisconsin beavers
Wisconsin beavers are prevelant throughout Wisconsin. Here, we analyze where Wisconsin beavers live and when they are active to understand their behaviors as ecosystem engineers.
Gallery
bottom of page