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Cached fungi in non-native conifer forests and their importance for red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris L.)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2001

P. W. W. Lurz  and
A. B. South
P. W. W. Lurz
Affiliation:
Centre for Land Use and Water Resources Research, University of Newcastle, Porter Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K.
A. B. South
Affiliation:
Centre for Land Use and Water Resources Research, University of Newcastle, Porter Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K.
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Abstract

The caching of fungi by red squirrels Sciurus vulgaris was investigated in commercial conifer plantations by walking transects in Kielder Forest, Cumbria and Wauchope Forest, Scotland. In 11 transects, a total of 58 fungal fruiting bodies were observed on branches in trees, consisting of four different species (49 Russula ochroleuca, seven R. metica, one R. vesca, one Colybia maculata). Fungal stores were found to be short lived and most fruiting bodies cached were gone after 2 weeks. Based on the survey findings we estimate that within an average red squirrel home range there would be a minimum of 42 cached fruiting bodies, constituting a food store of approx. 525–714 kJ.

Keywords

Sciurus vulgarishoarding behaviour
Type
Brief Report
Information
Journal of Zoology , Volume 246 , Issue 4 , December 1998 , pp. 443 - 486
Copyright
© 1998 The Zoological Society of London

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