Effects of environmental factors on the behaviour and nest group sizes of Smith's bush squirrels, Paraxerus cepapi, in a Zambezian bioregion

Abstract The responses of wildlife to environmental factors are conservation importance. However, the absence relevant information due inadequate studies, and lack understanding influences on wildlife, particularly in Zambezian bioregion, remain a concern. For instance, there is shortage knowledge relationship between fixed effects behaviour as well nest group sizes Smith’s bush squirrels, Paraxerus cepapi Smith, 1836. Our study examined several (i.e., with focus ecological factors) squirrels around Zambia’s Chembe Bird Sanctuary (CBS). Flight initiation distances (FIDs) an index squirrel behaviour, were simultaneously surveyed understand drivers biological population responses, respectively. results revealed that higher tree height (m) larger canopy coverage (%) could increase FIDs for squirrels. also presence termite mounds. By focusing two different squirrels' this highlight most important consider minimizing impacts human activities especially planning management by taking into consideration squirrels’ natural history, habitat protection safe distance humans