Color recognition and spatial memory in North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)

Abstract

Previous research on Eurasian red squirrels indicates relatively poor retention ability for food related caching. As this species does not rely on cached food as heavily as the North American red squirrel we expect that these squirrels will have better memory ability. In addition to spatial location, squirrels may also rely on color to identify food items. Using an associative learning task individual squirrels will be trained and tested on their ability to remember the correct location of a valued food item as well as to recognize and distinguish color. We will test their memory for reward (based on location and/or color), in a field setting, at two, four and six day intervals.

Faculty Mentor: Shannon Digweed

Department: Psychology (Honours)