Effects of habitat amount and configuration on the survival and movement of the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) in a forest mosaic

Human-caused habitat loss and fragmentation create higher amounts of non-habitat matrix, which may restrict a species' movement. Increased connectivity between habitat patches is theorised to increase rates of emigration, immigration and survival. However, most studies have been correlative and lack the species-specific survival and movement data needed to assess population viability.;In this thesis, I investigate the effects of mature forest loss and fragmentation on the survival and movement of a mature forest indicator species, the northern flying squirrel. Over 4-years, I conducted a mark-recapture study to estimate apparent survival across a range of landscape habitat amount (44-99%). I predicted that a positive correlation would exist between flying squirrel apparent survival and landscape habitat amount and that squirrel movements would be restricted in landscapes with lower mature forest connectivity (after controlling for habitat amount). The best model predicted different survival estimates for juveniles and adults with no major differences in survival (mean adult: 0.37, se: 0.11) across the range of mature forest sampled. I conclude that landscapes with greater than 44% mature forest likely provide adequate habitat amount for flying squirrel population persistence.;I also conducted experimental translocations (up to 4 km) to assess the permeability of the landscape to flying squirrel movements. I statistically controlled for habitat amount (3-91%) to measure the independent effects of mature forest connectivity on flying squirrel homing ability. Short distance translocations (<960 m) indicated that recent clearcuts (<10 years) presented a barrier to flying squirrel movements, with the majority of flying squirrels avoiding clearcuts, unless the detour distance was much longer than the gap crossing distance (low detour efficiency). At the scale of natal dispersal (up to 4 km) the odds of flying squirrels returning home increased by 7.8% for each 1% increase in mature forest connectivity independent of the amount of mature forest. In landscapes with long distances between mature patches I conclude that movement corridors will improve flying squirrel population persistence.;This study provides survival and movement parameters that are essential for understanding the impacts of forest management on a mature forest indicator species.