The effects of cover on the optimal foraging habits of small mammals.

Abstract

We observed the feeding habits of grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) and Eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) in order to investigate the influence of varying amounts of vegetative cover on the optimal foraging behavior of small mammals. We placed whole sunflower seeds in platform feeders at differing distances from a wooded area and noted the consequent foraging behavior. We predicted that there would be greater amounts of foraging in covered areas than in open areas. Our observations did not support this trend and, due to a small sample size, they were not statistically signficant. These results suggest the need for further observations in order to conduct a thorough examination of the optimal foraging theory.