HAYSMITH: NEOTOMA F. FLORIDANA IN NORTH-CENTRAL FLORIDA


swamp habitat is probably the most significant vegetative component in all of the
study sites. The bottomland swamp is also where densities remained the highest.
This structural complexity can offer a woodrat protection from predators and
higher food resource availability, particularly on a 3-dimensional scale.


 Population Variables


 Natural history characteristics documented in this study agree with
observations by other researchers that woodrats are nocturnal (Fitch and Rainey
1956). Nocturnal behavior may be influenced by predation coupled with the longer
daylight periods in the southern U.S., which would increase susceptibility to
diurnal predators. Diurnal activity was infrequently recorded in previous studies,
but diurnal observations by Schwartz and Schwartz (1959) and Rainey (1956) may
be associated with shorter daylight periods, a dissimilar suite of predators, or
different weather conditions.
 The sex ratio observed in this study was skewed towards males (1.6:1). Hersh
(1981) documented a sex ratio of 1.2:1 on Key Largo woodrats. The skewed sex
ratio towards males, may represent a population bias for males, or may be an
artifact of female trap shyness.
 Reproduction of Neotoma f floridana occurred throughout the year in this
study, which also was observed by Pearson (1952) in a study in Gulf Hammock,
Florida. Pearson discovered reproductive peaks in the spring and fall, and peaks in
this study occurred in April and November. Year-round reproduction in the
southeastern U.S. is most likely influenced by climatic conditions, with warmer
temperatures facilitating reproductive activities possibly due to higher availability
of food resources.
 The social behavior of Neotoma is controversial, both social tolerance and
intolerance have been reported in the literature. In this study woodrats were
determined to be socially intolerant. They used solitary den sites, and rarely were
observed in close proximity to each other. Social intolerance may be influenced by
several factors including competition for food resources, shelter, and intrinsic
population regulation. Kinsey (1976) reported seasonal differences in agonistic
interactions between males and females of Neotoma that may have been associated
with reproduction and rearing of young. However, no differences were observed in
this study in seasonality and signs of social intolerance, which may have been
actual or an artifact of sampling.
 Numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors may influence the observed
population fluctuations or declines of Neotoma f floridana on the Ordway
Preserve. These may include social factors, resource scarcity, decreased
reproduction, habitat differences, predation, or climatic factors. The population
declines may be more profound due to the lower reproductive potential of Neotoma,