Researchers are urging residents of Alberta to keep a lookout for a rare rodent species.
Franklin’s ground squirrel, a species that has been in decline, is the focal point of a study led by wildlife biologist Jess Haines in collaboration with Nature Alberta, a conservation organization.
The project was initiated by local naturalists who observed the diminishing population of the squirrel and realized that there was no active research being conducted on it.
The primary goal of the research is to demonstrate the actual decline in the population of Franklin’s ground squirrels. Presently, the species is categorized as “undetermined” by the Alberta government due to insufficient data to assess its status.
According to Haines, the process of altering this status involves gathering substantial evidence on the population trends of the squirrel to potentially reclassify it as at-risk.
Haines attributes the decline of Franklin’s ground squirrels to the conversion of their natural habitats for agricultural and urban purposes, a process that has significantly impacted their distribution.
Historically, these squirrels were widespread across central Alberta, extending into the southern boreal regions and possibly the foothills. However, they are now limited to only a few remaining populations.
The squirrel’s survival is contingent on undisturbed natural habitats with dense vegetation, unlike Richardson’s ground squirrels, commonly referred to as gophers, which thrive in human-altered environments like pastures and golf courses.
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Notable locations where Franklin’s ground squirrels can still be spotted include Wabamun Lake Provincial Park, Pigeon Lake, Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park, Rochon Sands Provincial Park, and Buffalo Lake.
Haines emphasizes that unlike other ground squirrel species that form large, conspicuous colonies, Franklin’s ground squirrels exist naturally in small numbers and low densities, making them susceptible to local extinctions due to their limited populations.
Public Participation in the Project
In addition to fieldwork conducted by Haines and her team, which involves capturing and releasing squirrels for research, the project encourages public engagement by soliciting both current and historical observations of Franklin’s ground squirrels through the iNaturalist platform.
Since 2022, 188 observations of Franklin’s ground squirrels have been reported on iNaturalist. Furthermore, individuals can submit historical sightings through a form available on the Nature Alberta website to assist researchers in mapping the species’ past and current distribution.
While the project does not have a specified end date, it evolves periodically to address different aspects of the squirrel’s ecology. For instance, the team is currently focusing on studying the diet and habitat preferences of the squirrels.
“Our current objective is to gather comprehensive data across the province,