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Red-cockaded woodpecker cavity tree resin avoidance by southern flying squirrels

Formally Refereed

Abstract

While examining red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) cavity contents in eastern Texas, the authors observed cavity tree resin avoidance by southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans). The tree surface around an active red-cockaded woodpecker cavity is coated with sticky resin which flows from resin wells created by the woodpecker. The southern flying squirrel is a competitor for red-cockaded woodpecker cavities and is known to be quire capable of entering active cavities in trees with a well developed resin coating. However, observation indicates that in some circumstances the resin coating can offer some deterrence

Citation

Schaefer, Richard R.; Saenz, Daniel. 1998. Red-cockaded woodpecker cavity tree resin avoidance by southern flying squirrels. Wilson Bulletin. 110(2): 291-292.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/242