Diurnal rest site selection by ringtails (Bassariscus astutus) in northwestern California

The ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) is a fully protected species in California. Understanding diurnal rest site selection is an important component of developing management plans for the species. Ringtail rest site selection was examined in a managed forest of northwestern California. Nineteen ringtails (11 males, 8 females) were radio-collared and located in diurnal rest sites on 441 occasions; however, only 16 individuals (8 males, 8 females) were located enough times to be included in the analysis. Ringtails were found in 158 unique sites and re-visited sites on 283 occasions. Of the 158 unique sites, 75 (47.5 %) were in cavities in live trees and of 111 rest sites located in trees, 25 (22.5 %) were in live black oaks (Quercus kelloggii). Of the 283 occasions when ringtails were found re-visiting a rest site, 144 (50.9 %) were in live trees. Ringtails re-visited rest sites located in trees on 240 occasions; Douglas-firs (Pseudotsuga menziesii) were re-visited on 127 (52.9 %) of these occasions. A resource selection function (RSF) providing an index of ringtail rest site use indicated that rest site use was positively associated with distance from water and steep slopes. The RSF also indicated that rest site use was positively associated with hardwood, sapling, brushy pole, and seedling vegetation types, relative to young forest vegetation. The top model had high predictive capacity, suggesting that the model can be used to develop land management strategies that incorporate conservation needs of ringtails on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation, and may be useful in development of land management practices aimed at providing habitat for ringtails in other areas of northwestern California.