Home Range and Habitat Utilization by Neotoma fuscipes as Determined by Radiotelemetry

Abstract

Seasonal, reproductive, and utilization aspects of home range for dusky-footed woodrats (Neotoma fuscipes) were analyzed from data obtained by radiotelemetry over one year of continuous study in northern California. Home ranges were stable for 34 of 37 woodrats periodically monitored but changed seasonally with reproductive activity and habitat conditions. The size of male home ranges (2289 square meters, m) was significantly larger than females (1924 square m) and juveniles (1719 square m). Home range overlap is lower than 28 percent except during the reproductive season. a utilization index based on vegetative cover was calculated. Woodrat activity was significantly higher in areas of 75 to 100 percent cover than in areas of less cover. Comparisons with traditional trapping methods of home range determination were made.