A call has been made to residents of Alberta to be on the lookout for a rare rodent species known as Franklin’s ground squirrel. The creature, which has been dwindling in numbers, is the focus of a research initiative spearheaded by wildlife biologist Jess Haines in collaboration with Nature Alberta, a conservation organization. The project was initiated after local naturalists observed a decline in the squirrel’s population and recognized the lack of conservation efforts directed towards it.
The primary objective of the project is to substantiate the decline in the population of Franklin’s ground squirrel. Currently, the status of the species in Alberta is classified as “undetermined” due to insufficient data available to assess its well-being. Haines is striving to amass substantial data on the population trends of the squirrel to advocate for a change in its status to “at-risk.”
Unlike Richardson’s ground squirrels, which adapt well to human-modified environments like pastures and golf courses, Franklin’s ground squirrels heavily rely on natural habitats with dense vegetation and forested regions. The alteration of these lands for agricultural and urban purposes has directly contributed to the decline of the once widespread squirrel population in central Alberta and surrounding areas.
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. These squirrel species naturally exist in small numbers and low densities, making them particularly vulnerable to local extinctions.
The ongoing research project led by Haines involves extensive fieldwork where she and her team, often accompanied by students, conduct surveys to locate and study Franklin’s ground squirrels. They collect essential data such as weight, sex, and microchip information before releasing the squirrels back into their natural habitat. Additionally, the project encourages public participation by requesting historical and current observations of the squirrels through iNaturalist, a platform for sharing wildlife sightings globally.
To aid in tracking the historical distribution of the species, researchers urge the public to submit past squirrel sightings through a form available on the Nature Alberta website. The project, which has a flexible timeline, adapts its focus periodically; presently, the team is investigating the dietary habits and habitat preferences of the squirrels.
Myrna Pearman from the Red Deer River Naturalists expressed her fondness for Franklin’s ground squirrels, highlighting their endearing behavior and interaction with humans. She has actively supported Haines in the field, capturing photographs of the squirrels in the hopes of garnering protection measures for the species from the provincial government.
Amid concerns of declining numbers, it is crucial to monitor and safeguard the unique Franklin’s ground squirrel, distinguished by its distinctive grey head and bushy tail. While there are 14 squirrel species in Alberta, including five ground squirrel varieties, none are currently classified as at-risk within the province.
