Long-tailed Weasel, Mustela frenata, Movements and Diggings in Alfalfa Fields Inhabited by Northern Pocket Gophers, Thomomys talpoides
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v119i2.102Keywords:
Long-tailed Weasel, Mustela frenata, Northern Pocket Gopher, Thomomys talpoides, Alfalfa fields, cognitive map, movements, AlbertaAbstract
Little is known about the movements of Long-tailed Weasels (Mustela frenata) in alfalfa (Medicago spp.) fields inhabited by Northern Pocket Gophers (Thomomys talpoides). In central Alberta, I intermittently followed the movements of Long-tailed Weasels during two consecutive winters. Three types of movements were observed: straight-line movements across the fields; sinuous movements along the edges of the field; and arc movements within the field, over concentrations of Northern Pocket Gopher burrow systems. Arc movements were 0.6-28-m-wide at their base, and extended from 6 to 45 m into the field. Movements of Long-tailed Weasels into the fields were accompanied by fresh diggings in Northern Pocket Gopher burrow systems, which became inactive thereafter. This study suggests that Long-tailed Weasels may have a cognitive map of the distribution of Northern Pocket Gophers in their home range.
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