Masters Theses

Date of Award

6-1979

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Major Professor

Michael R. Pelton

Committee Members

Boyd L. Dearden, Ralph W. Dimmick, James L. Byford

Abstract

A study of the movements, activities, and survival of translocated raccoons (Procyon lotor) was conducted from March 1977 to November 1978 in portions of Blount and Loudon Counties, eastern Tennessee. From July 1975 to May 1978, 286 raccoons live-trapped in West Tennessee were ear-tagged and released in the study area. Seventeen of these animals were equipped with radio transmitters.

As of November 1978, 29 (10.1%) of the raccoons were recovered, after an average time of 344 days (range = 2 to 1207 days) in the field. Illegal kills comprised 41.4% of all tag returns. Of 11 females recovered after 1 breeding season, 7 (63.6%) had apparently given birth to offspring while in the study area. Nine recovered raccoons had gained an average of 1.14 kg (29% increase) in weight over a mean period of 432 days. During a 4-night experimental hunt, 46 hunting parties harvested 19 raccoons, 6 of which (32%) were transplanted animals.

The average minimum dispersal for all raccoons was 3.8 km over a mean period of 294 days. There was no significant relationship between the number of days to recovery and dispersal distances. Dispersal of males was not significantly greater than that of females. Dispersal directions were randomly distributed.

Home ranges were calculated from approximately 1500 radio locations recorded over 630 days for 14 of the 17 radio monitored raccoons. Three methods of home range estimation were used: Minimal polygon, convex polygon, and a bivariate home range model (ellipse). Differences and advantages of each method are discussed. Home ranges of males were significantly larger than those of females, but home ranges of trans located raccoons v/ere not significantly larger than those reported for resident raccoons in the same area. Minimal polygon home ranges averaged 106.4 ha; convex polygon ranges averaged 226.05 ha; and elliptical areas averaged 383.75 ha at the 95% confidence interval and 290.16 ha at the 90% confidence interval.

Raccoons released in areas containing large pastures and intensive illegal hunting or dog training activities established significantly larger home ranges. The influence of intensive human disturbances on raccoon movements are discussed.

Approximately 5000 activity readings were used to analyze activity patterns. During adjustment to the new area, translocated raccoons were significantly more active and exhibited greater movements at all times of the day than during post-adjustment periods following release in the study area. After a 30-day adjustment period, raccoons were most active from 2101 to 0300 hours EST. Least active times were from 1201 to 1500 hours EST. Males were significantly more active and moved significantly farther over a 24-hour period than females.

Of 328 den sites and day beds located, 70% were tree dens, 21% were ground dens, and 10% were gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinesis) leaf nests. No preference for individual tree species was evident. The advantages of the 3 types of den sites are discussed. The linear distance moved between consecutive den sites averaged 623 m and was significantly larger for males than females.

Of approximately 1500 radio locations, 71.4% were recorded in forest habitat 15,7% in edge habitat, 7.1% in old-field situations, and 0.9% in agricultural row crops. Differences in habitat utilization appeared more related to habitat availability than preference.

Conclusions were that the translocation of raccoons for population restoration is a valid wildlife management technique, provided that suitable habitat exists, the resident raccoon population is low, and illegal hunting and dog training-related mortality can be controlled. Other management implications and recommendations are discussed.

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