Population density and home range characteristics of woodchucks, Marmota monax, at expressway interchanges [Densité et domaine vital caractéristiques des marmottes, Marmota monax, dans les échangeurs d'autoroute].

Résumé

Woodchucks, Marmota monax, were studied in 1981 at six interchanges along Highway 417 in Ottawa and Nepean, Ontario, to determine population densities and how the animals utilize this man-made habitat. The fall density of 5.36 Woodchucks per hectare of a suburban interchange exceeded any density previously reported for this species in any habitat. Neither the areas nor the lengths of the home ranges of Woodchucks inhabiting the suburban interchange (Richmond) and one of the urban interchanges (Pinecrest) were significantly different. Watercourses, the expressway, and associated slopes encouraged linear shapes of home ranges. Woodchucks living on flat areas and those living adjacent to ramps that they crossed exhibited non-linear home ranges. These "road-wise" Woodchucks crossed single-lane on- and off-ramps frequently and successfully; wider roads were crossed infrequently.