Pennsylvania’s Northern Flying Squirrel

Environmental Science

Alison Mummert2012

Northern Flying Squirrel ?

Physical Characteristics

•8 -11 inches•3-5 ounces•Large eyes•Brown fur•White fur on belly

•Flaps btw wrist and ankles.•Long, broad, flat tails.

•Jump/Glide *65 feet *8 mph

•Physical Characteristics/Special Niche

Population density

Pennsylvania 33 Pocono region Warren county and Potter county.

Native to Canada

Biotic Potential•One litter per year.•During the month of May•2-4 offspring K-selective•3 months- first flight test•Sexual maturity at 1 year•Lifespan 3 years• = Low growth rate!

Biome- Mature Conifer ForestTrees Travel Home Protection Food

•Fungi•Nuts •Seeds•Do not hoard food•Do not hibernate

Herbivores

Ecosystem Services?

• Adds biodiversity• Spreading of fungi spores around trees. Aids the trees= take in water, nutrients

= cool streams, fish, purify air

•Keystone species

Endangered Species

1970

Human Impact•Logging of forest•Development

Loss of biome which it depends on.

Trees Travel Home Protection Food

Decline in health of biome.

Loss of Hemlock trees.

-Wooly adelgid

The Northern flying squirrel’s ecosystem service is very

important!

Trees protect the Northern flying squirrel from predators.

Carrying Capacity is very low…without trees!

Food web:Predators:•Owls•Hawks•Foxes•Raccoons•Snakes

Southern flying Squirrel

•Interspecific competition Nest Food.•High Environmental resistance•Carrier of a parasite•Destroying Northern

•Raise Awareness•Protect older forest/invasive species•Hemlock trees (umbrella specie)

Sustainable Solution ?

Pennsylvania’s Purple Squirrel!Environmental issues:

What caused this squirrel to be purple!

YouTube Video