Sul Ross State University

Ringtail Ecology in Trans-Pecos Texas

by Betty Ackerson and Louis A. Harveson

The ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) is one of the most abundant furbearers in Texas. Yet, there have been few studies conducted to determine the ecology of this species in Texas.

The objectives of this study are to determine the:

1. Home range of ringtails
2. Activity patterns and movement rates of ringtails
3. Habitat-use and denning characteristics of ringtails
4. Food habits of ringtails in the Trans-Pecos Region of Texas

Ten ringtails will be trapped from Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Each trapped individual will be fitted with a radiocollar and will undergo sexing, aging and various morphological measurements.

Individuals will be triangulated to determine their locations hourly. Den locations will be determined by homing in on individuals during daylight hours. Den site characteristics will be measured and recorded for each den located.

Minimum convex polygon and adaptive kernel (75, 95 and 100 percent) will be used to determine the home range using one location/day. Movement rates and activity patterns will be estimated using radio telemetry.

Habitats will be delineated using Systeme Pour l'Observation de la Terra (SPOT) and line transect data. Habitat selection will be determined by comparing the proportion of animal locations within each habitat and the available area in each habitat.

Mortality will be recorded and survival will be determined using the Kaplan-Meier procedure. Population density will be estimated using mark-recapture data and by stratifying radioed animals by habitat type. Scat analysis will be performed to estimate the percent volume and frequency of each food item.

Comparisons between sexes and seasons will be determined for all aspects of the study by performing t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Cooperative funding provided by Sul Ross State University and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.