Scientists are seeking assistance from Albertans to spot a rare rodent. The Franklin’s ground squirrel, a creature of intrigue, is the focal point of an investigative endeavor spearheaded by wildlife biologist Jess Haines. This initiative is a collaborative effort between Haines and the conservation group Nature Alberta.
The research initiative kicked off when local naturalists observed a decline in the squirrel’s numbers and realized the absence of ongoing research. The primary objective of the project is to demonstrate the decrease in the Franklin’s ground squirrel population, which is currently categorized as “undetermined” by the Alberta government due to insufficient data.
Haines aims to amass substantial data on the population trends of Franklin’s ground squirrel through the project to prompt a reevaluation of its status to “at-risk.” Unlike Richardson’s ground squirrels, which flourish in human-modified environments like pastures and golf courses, Franklin’s ground squirrels exclusively rely on natural habitats with dense vegetation and forests.
The conversion of natural lands for agriculture and urban growth has been a direct contributor to the dwindling numbers of Franklin’s ground squirrels. Formerly widespread in central Alberta and even into the southern boreal regions and foothills, these squirrels are now confined to a few remaining populations.
Notably, Franklin’s ground squirrels are distinct from other ground squirrel species as they naturally exist in small numbers and low densities, making them susceptible to local extinctions. Haines and her team spend significant time in the field capturing and releasing Franklin’s ground squirrels for research purposes. They also urge the public to share historical and current sightings of the squirrels through platforms like iNaturalist.
The project, which has no fixed end date, focuses on gathering comprehensive information on the species across the province. By tracking historical sightings and current observations, researchers can map the distribution of Franklin’s ground squirrels in Alberta.
Myrna Pearman, a member of the Red Deer River Naturalists, has developed an affinity for Franklin’s ground squirrels and has joined Haines in the field to photograph them. Pearman hopes that increased attention to the declining numbers of these squirrels will prompt protection measures from the provincial government.
With 14 squirrel species in Alberta, including five ground squirrel varieties, the Franklin’s ground squirrel stands out with its grey head and bushy tail. Presently, no squirrel species in Alberta are classified as at-risk.