Effects of forest structure and surrounding environment on habitat use of cedar plantations by Japanese giant flying squirrels (<i>Petaurista leucogenys</i>) in cool temperate zone

Some wildlife species use artificial forests selectively despite their negative effects.The Japanese giant flying squirrel (Petaurista leucogenys) is a gliding mammal that often uses cedar plantations, but the type of artificial forest they select is unknown.This study aimed to clarify the effects of forest structure and the surrounding environment on the habitat use of cedar plantations by Japanese giant flying squirrels in a cool temperate zone.Field surveys were conducted using 50 plots in cedar plantations in Tsuruoka City from August to November 2023.The presence or absence of field signs (droppings) of Japanese giant flying squirrels in each plot was recorded as habitat use.In addition, mean diameter at breast height (DBH), maximum DBH, canopy openness, the number of standing trees, and presence or absence of tree hollows in each plot were measured and recorded as forest structures, and the proportions of broadleaf and coniferous forests within a 300 m radius buffer was recorded as the surrounding environment.The habitat use of the Japanese giant flying squirrel was analyzed using a generalized linear model that explained the forest structure, surrounding environment, and survey area.Field signs of Japanese giant flying squirrels were found in 15 plots.Our model showed that Japanese giant flying squirrels selectively used cedar plantations with large mean DBH and low canopy openness.These results indicate that Japanese flying squirrels prefer more mature artificial forests.This suggests that the management of artificial forests at the appropriate age for harvesting is also important for the conservation of them.