Unique Presentation Identifier:
53
Program Type
Undergraduate
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Tom Nupp
Document Type
Presentation
Location
Face-to-face
Start Date
9-4-2026 9:00 AM
End Date
9-4-2026 9:30 AM
Abstract
Basal tree cavities are hollow structures at the base of tree trunks utilized by many wildlife species, including small mammals, furbearers, and bats. Dumyahn and Zollner (2010) demonstrated that swamp rabbits (Sylvilagus aquaticus) use basal tree cavities and speculated that they may be used for thermoregulation at the northern limits of their geographic range or as alternative escape routes. To further investigate swamp rabbit use of basal tree cavities, we placed camera traps approximately 1 m from the entrance of the cavities (n = 43) in various Wildlife Management Areas in central Arkansas. Along with control sites without cavities (n=25), diameters of trees with cavities, cavity size, and tree species were recorded to test for potential preferences. Over 200,000 photographs have been collected and are to be analyzed. Preliminary results reveal regular interactions by swamp rabbits with basal tree cavities, which may indicate an important habitat feature for this species. We hypothesize that swamp rabbits incorporate basal tree cavity locations in their home range as refuge sites and regularly interact with cavities, possibly to assess their continued suitability.
Recommended Citation
Williams, Heath R., "Use of Basal Tree Cavities by Sylvilagus Aquaticus in Central Arkansas" (2026). ATU Scholars Symposium. 15.
https://orc.library.atu.edu/atu_rs/2026/2026/15
Included in
Animal Studies Commons, Forest Management Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Other Life Sciences Commons
Use of Basal Tree Cavities by Sylvilagus Aquaticus in Central Arkansas
Face-to-face
Basal tree cavities are hollow structures at the base of tree trunks utilized by many wildlife species, including small mammals, furbearers, and bats. Dumyahn and Zollner (2010) demonstrated that swamp rabbits (Sylvilagus aquaticus) use basal tree cavities and speculated that they may be used for thermoregulation at the northern limits of their geographic range or as alternative escape routes. To further investigate swamp rabbit use of basal tree cavities, we placed camera traps approximately 1 m from the entrance of the cavities (n = 43) in various Wildlife Management Areas in central Arkansas. Along with control sites without cavities (n=25), diameters of trees with cavities, cavity size, and tree species were recorded to test for potential preferences. Over 200,000 photographs have been collected and are to be analyzed. Preliminary results reveal regular interactions by swamp rabbits with basal tree cavities, which may indicate an important habitat feature for this species. We hypothesize that swamp rabbits incorporate basal tree cavity locations in their home range as refuge sites and regularly interact with cavities, possibly to assess their continued suitability.