SOUTHERN FLYING SQUIRRELS (GLAUCOMYS VOLANS) IN A PROTECTED AREA ALONG THE 
MISSISSIPPI RIVER IN EASTERN IOWA

Frances A. Eggers1, Phylicia B. Schwartz1, Alan R. Butler1, Gerald L. 
Zuercher1, and Wayne Buchholtz2

1 Department of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dubuque, 2000 
University Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001. 2 Mines of Spain Recreation Area, E.B. 
Lyons Interpretive Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights Road, Dubuque, IA 52003

In Iowa, southern flying squirrels, Glaucomys volans, are considered a 
species of “Special Concern”.  Soutehrn flying squirrel abundance is 
officially “Uncommon” within Iowa and the population trend is “Unknown”.  
Although their reported distribution includes all but the extreme northwest 
corner of Iowa, there are relatively few records for the species within the 
state.  Anecdotal information from several local people suggested that few 
southern flying squirrels remain in eastern Iowa.  We sought to assess 
southern flying squirrel populations and habitat associations within the 
Mines of Spain Recreation Area (MoSRA) along the Mississippi River (Pool 12) 
in eastern Iowa.  We live-trapped southern flying squirrels on three plots 
within MoSRA for approximately twelve weeks during the months of July, 
August, September, and October.  In addition, we collected vegetation data 
for each plot.  Our goal was to determine presence/absence, abundance, 
spatial needs, activity pattern, seasonal movements, and habitat 
characteristics.  We were successful in capturing 11 individuals (3 female 
and 8 male) on 2 of the 3 plots, thus establishing presence of southern 
flying squirrels in the area.  However, a failure to recapture individuals 
and to capture subsequent new individuals late in the season limited our 
outcomes.  We will summarize the habitat associations and provide suggestions 
for future research.

Keywords:  Glaucomys volans, habitat, Iowa, Southern Flying Squirrel

Presenting Author:
Frances A. Eggers
Department of Natural and Applied Sciences
University of Dubuque
2000 University Avenue
Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: 563-589-3152
Fax: 563-589-3688
feggers@dbq.edu

Poster

Presenter is a student

No larger space necessary