Scientists are urging residents of Alberta to be on the lookout for a rare rodent species. The elusive Franklin’s ground squirrel is the focal point of a research initiative spearheaded by wildlife biologist Jess Haines in collaboration with the conservation organization Nature Alberta. This project was initiated due to concerns raised by local naturalists who observed a decline in the squirrel’s population and realized that no one was actively studying it.
The objective of the project is to demonstrate the decline in the population of Franklin’s ground squirrels. Currently, the Alberta government classifies this species as “undetermined,” indicating a lack of sufficient data to assess its status accurately. Haines aims to gather enough data through the project to prompt a reevaluation of the squirrel’s status to “at-risk.” Unlike Richardson’s ground squirrels, which thrive in 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 natural lands for agricultural and urban purposes has directly contributed to the decline of the once-prevalent Franklin’s ground squirrels, restricting their distribution to a few remaining populations in specific locations like Wabamun Lake Provincial Park, Pigeon Lake, and others. Haines emphasizes that these squirrels naturally exist in low numbers and densities, making them vulnerable to disappearing from an area due to their limited populations.
As part of the research project, Haines and her team, including students, conduct extensive fieldwork to study Franklin’s ground squirrels. They encourage the public to contribute historical and current observations of the squirrels through the iNaturalist platform, allowing for the sharing of wildlife photos and recordings. By collecting these submissions, researchers can track the squirrel’s historical and current habitats in the province.
The project, which has no set end date but undergoes periodic shifts in focus, aims to gather comprehensive information about the squirrel populations across the province. This year, the team is concentrating on studying the squirrel’s diet and habitat. The ultimate goal is to raise awareness about the declining population of Franklin’s ground squirrels and garner support for their conservation.
Myrna Pearman from the Red Deer River Naturalists shares her fondness for the squirrels and emphasizes the need for their protection. She recounts her interactions with the creatures and expresses her hope that increased attention will lead to conservation efforts for the species. With 14 squirrel species in Alberta, including five ground squirrels, Franklin’s ground squirrel stands out due to its unique habitat, grey head, and long bushy tail. Currently, no squirrel species in Alberta are classified as at-risk.