[thechat] Grey Squirrel Cull in UK
Luther, Ron
Ron.Luther at hp.com
Fri Jan 27 08:38:33 CST 2006
Bob Davis noted:
>>There are "black" Red Squirrels and "black" Grey Squirrels,
>>etc. - so some will be small.
Hi Bob,
Sorry. I hadn't done any research ..... Surprise! ;-P
[Why the heck would I research this anyway? I mean really!
There's 'reptiles' and there's 'reptile food'. What the
heck could be interesting about 'reptile food'?]
Anyway, I poked around a bit this morning and I have to agree
with you. I'm not seeing any evidence anywhere that anyone
considers North American 'black squirrels' to be a separate
species.
For example:
http://www.scarysquirrel.org/special/enemy/
(a) doesn't show 'black' as a separate species
(b) discusses thermic advantages of 'black coated grey squirrels'
(probably the Kent State population) in a northern habitat
Another site supporting 'black phase grey squirrel':
http://www.reedsburg.com/blacksquirrel.htm
Given the number of taxonomic 'splitters' you run into in other
areas (like marine shells or snakes) I was a bit surprised to see
the consensus on squirrels. <shrug /> Teeth and toes I guess,
teeth and toes.
Finally, it wasn't population variation ... it looks like my
comment on the smaller size of the black squirrels I saw at
KSU actually seems to come from a different basis. Looking
through these screwy squirrel links it looks like the area
where I grew up is predominately 'fox squirrel' territory.
The sites say 'fox squirrels' range up to 1 Kg in size. I'm
sure I've seen individuals at *least* that size. [Being 'city
squirrels', (and that city being Cleveland), I'm pretty sure
I've also seen them mug small children and steal their lunch
money. Cheeky little chunky devils.]
Hmmm ... 1Kg ... Does that make these boogers the 'Hungry Man'
specials of the squirrel world?
Anyway, for someone who's idea of a 'normal' squirrel is one of
these 'fox squirrel' monsters ... the first time they see these
'black phase grey squirrels' ... those guys are gonna look awfully
tiny. I'm pretty sure that's where my size comment came from.
RonL.
Are we done with squirrels now? I've got a three day class on
hoofstock coming up I should be thinking about instead ...
Ooooo, but I've got some new anime to watch! ;-)
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