Scientists in Alberta are seeking help from the public to spot a rare rodent species. The Franklin’s ground squirrel, a subject of a wildlife biologist-led research project, is experiencing a decline in population. The collaboration between MacEwan University and Nature Alberta aims to gather data to potentially change the squirrel’s status to at-risk due to habitat loss caused by human activities.
Unlike other ground squirrel species, Franklin’s ground squirrels depend on natural habitats and are not commonly found in human-altered environments. The ongoing project led by Jess Haines involves field studies to monitor the squirrel populations and calls for public participation in reporting historical and current sightings through the iNaturalist platform.
The decline of Franklin’s ground squirrels is attributed to land conversion for agriculture and urban expansion, limiting their habitats to specific locations in Alberta. The project emphasizes the importance of collecting observations to understand the species’ distribution and ensure their conservation. With no set end date, the research focuses on various aspects of the squirrel’s ecology and behavior to inform conservation efforts.
The Red Deer River Naturalists, including Myrna Pearman, have shown interest in the squirrels and are actively supporting the research to raise awareness about their declining numbers. The unique characteristics of Franklin’s ground squirrels, such as their grey head and bushy tail, set them apart from other squirrel species in Alberta. As the project progresses, the hope is to garner enough support to protect these squirrels and prevent them from being classified as an at-risk species.