Scientists are seeking assistance from Albertans in spotting a rare rodent. The elusive Franklin’s ground squirrel is the focus of a research initiative led by wildlife biologist Jess Haines in collaboration with the conservation group Nature Alberta. The project originated from community naturalists noticing a decline in the squirrel population and realizing the lack of ongoing research.
The primary goal of the project is to demonstrate the decline in the Franklin’s ground squirrel population. Currently, the species is classified as “undetermined” by the Alberta government due to insufficient data to assess its status. Efforts are underway to gather data on population trends to potentially reclassify the squirrel as at-risk.
Unlike Richardson’s ground squirrels, which adapt well to human-altered environments like pastures and golf courses, Franklin’s ground squirrels depend strictly on natural habitats with dense brush and forested areas. The conversion of these lands for agriculture and urban expansion has directly contributed to the decline of the once-abundant squirrel populations.
Noteworthy locations where Franklin’s ground squirrels can still be sighted include Wabamun Lake Provincial Park, Pigeon Lake, Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park, Rochon Sands Provincial Park, and Buffalo Lake. The species, characterized by its distinct coloration and habitat requirements, naturally exists in low numbers and densities, making it particularly vulnerable to habitat loss.
The research team, led by Jess Haines, conducts fieldwork to study Franklin’s ground squirrels, capturing and releasing them for research purposes. The project also involves the public in submitting historical and current observations of the squirrels through the iNaturalist platform. These submissions aid in tracking the species’ historical distribution and current presence across the province.
The project, which lacks a set end date but undergoes periodic shifts in focus, aims to gather comprehensive information on the species. Myrna Pearman from the Red Deer River Naturalists highlights the charm of Franklin’s ground squirrels, emphasizing the need for their conservation as their numbers dwindle. With no squirrel species currently considered at-risk in Alberta, efforts to protect the Franklin’s ground squirrel are crucial.
(Source: CBC News)