Human Settlements and Species Competition 🐀

What defines… Habitat Fragmentation

human development which affect ecosystems and trap populations in isolated areas

If humans continue to remove trees that western grays call home, where will they go?

nowhere → cannot easily move into new areas because it is unfamiliar leading to population decline

Western Gray Squirrels are highly specialized in what environment?

woodlands (native oaks and pines)

How to protect animals from habitat fragmentation?

preserving and restoring habitat, maintaining old-growth trees in their canopy and understories, supporting conservation programs

How does human development make it easier for invasive species to outcompete native species? (1)

habitat fragmentation leading to smaller isolated patches where invasive species can colonize the open areas

How does human development make it easier for invasive species to outcompete native species? (2)

humans can accidentally introduce invasive species to a new environment and they colonize quickly due to their lack of natural predators

California Ground squirrels, while they are also native, do not need tree coverage and instead hide in burrows. Why might they only be seen on hiking trails and nature reserves

they prefer open areas with short vegetation as they can spot danger

Where are WESTERN GRAY SQUIRRELS from?

california

Where are EASTERN FOX SQUIRRELS from?

eastern united states

Where are CALIFORNIA GROUND SQUIRRELS from?

california

Where are WESTERN GRAY SQUIRRELS found?

wooded areas

Where are EASTERN FOX SQUIRRELS found?

nearly everywhere

Where are CALIFORNIA GROUND SQUIRRELS found?

fields and lightly wooded areas

What is the habitat type of WESTERN GRAY SQUIRRELS?

arboreal (lives in tree)

What is the habitat type of EASTERN FOX SQUIRRELS?

terrestrial (lives on ground) and arboreal (lives in tree)

What is the habitat type of CALIFORNIA GROUND SQUIRRELS?

terrestrial (lives on ground)