Organizing and summarizing the data from my field research project on squirrel foraging behavior was a challenging yet rewarding task. Over the course of several weeks, observations were performed at various times of the day and in various weather conditions, resulting in the collection of data. The objective was to determine the effects of competing squirrel populations and environmental conditions on the foraging behaviour of squirrels on wooden decks, fences, and the ground.
To create a table with the sample units, foraging activity levels, competitors, and environmental conditions for each observation, the data had to be aggregated. This made it possible to compare the many variables between sample units and over time in an understandable manner. The organization’s results were as anticipated: distinct behavioural patterns based on the surroundings and the existence of rivals emerged in squirrel behaviour.
Unexpectedly, there was always a lot of foraging going on on the wooden deck, independent of the weather or the presence of other predators. This shows that the wooden deck’s protected location and food supply may make it a squirrels’ favourite foraging location. This discovery may inspire more research into the particular elements that draw squirrels to the wooden deck as a foraging site.
Overall, the information provided important new understandings into how squirrels modify their foraging strategies in response to changing environmental factors and the presence of rivals. Understanding squirrel populations’ resilience in urban settings and how they manage resource competition may be affected by this. Further emphasis on the value of taking into account a variety of factors while researching animal behaviour in the wild was provided by the data.
Table link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15kxd6Cb9oDGMXBlbgm6PuHj5unzMP6Lm/view?usp=sharing