General Description:
The delmarva fox squirrel looks a lot like the typical gray fox squirrel just a little bigger. With a whitish gray color. The delmarva has a large fluffy tail and a white belly. These are a slower squirrel and seem to be more shy and quieter. The delmarva fox squirrel leaves one tree by running down and running to the next tree instead of just jumping like the typical gray squirrel.
Niche:
The main role for the squirrel is it being a prey. Red and grey foxes, weasels, minks, hawks, and eagles are all predators of the delmarva fox squirrel.
Level on the List:
The delmarva fox squirrel is on the endangered species list for pennsylvania and for the United States.
Why is the species on the list?
The main reason for the delmarva fox squirrel being on the list is the loss of habitat due to the building of houses, roads, and the deforestation of the woods. Hunting can also be a major issue. Most hunters mistake the delmarva fox squirrel as a grey squirrel and shoot them. Automobile also can play a large role as they hit a large portion of squirrels each year.
By: Cody Miller and Nick Hughes
Sciurus Niger Cinereus
General Description:
The delmarva fox squirrel looks a lot like the typical gray fox squirrel just a little bigger. With a whitish gray color. The delmarva has a large fluffy tail and a white belly. These are a slower squirrel and seem to be more shy and quieter. The delmarva fox squirrel leaves one tree by running down and running to the next tree instead of just jumping like the typical gray squirrel.
Niche:
The main role for the squirrel is it being a prey. Red and grey foxes, weasels, minks, hawks, and eagles are all predators of the delmarva fox squirrel.
Level on the List:
The delmarva fox squirrel is on the endangered species list for pennsylvania and for the United States.
Why is the species on the list?
The main reason for the delmarva fox squirrel being on the list is the loss of habitat due to the building of houses, roads, and the deforestation of the woods. Hunting can also be a major issue. Most hunters mistake the delmarva fox squirrel as a grey squirrel and shoot them. Automobile also can play a large role as they hit a large portion of squirrels each year.
Recover Plan:
Despite being put on the endangered species list, there are other actions being taken. Biologists are setting up protected areas that are superb living arrangements for the delmarva. They are protected lands to reduce any hunting activity. As the squirrels are on the protected lands, the biologists will do further studies and gain a better understanding about their niche, reproduction, and their preferred habitat.
Works Cited:
http://www.fws.gov/chesapeakebay/dfox.htm
http://www.fs/fed/us/database/feis/animals/mammal/scni/all.html
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/nhpdelfox.html