Aggregate Nests
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For a snapshot of life within the aggregate, visit our Video Gallery. Flying squirrels are the most social of all of North America's squirrel species. Flying squirrels do not hibernate - they are active year-round - and are unique amongst squirrels in that they come together, or aggregate, during cold winter months. This form of communal nesting serves one main purpose - biothermal regulation. By grouping together, flying squirrels can stay active all winter and keep warm during the day inside large-diameter, thick-walled snag trees. Nothern flying squirrels, being well adapted to colder temperatures, form aggregates of no more than ten individuals, usually six to eight. They do not enter into a torpor state at any time. Southern flying squirrels are not as well-equipped for winter's cold, and although aggregations consisting of 50 individuals have been recorded, the average number is likely around the 10 to 20 mark in ideal habitat. Southern flying squirrels can enter a state of torpor, or a state of physical inactivity, when outside temperatures near -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celcius). Habitat fragmentation may result in a flying squirrel population from producing large enough aggregations to allow the group to survive the winter months. Generally, aggregations and aggregating behaviours in North American flying squirrels are not well understood - much more research into the mechanics of aggregation needs to be conducted. The author's son is conducting ancillary research into winter aggregations of northern flying squirrels in fragmented habitats. See http://individual.utoronto.ca/patterson/ |