Scientists are urging Albertans to be on the lookout for a rare rodent species. The elusive Franklin’s ground squirrel is the focus of a research initiative conducted by wildlife biologist Jess Haines in partnership with conservation group Nature Alberta. This project was initiated based on observations by local naturalists who noted a decline in the squirrel’s population and the lack of ongoing research efforts.
The primary objective of the study is to confirm the declining trend in the Franklin’s ground squirrel population. Currently, the Alberta government categorizes this species as “undetermined,” indicating insufficient data to assess its status accurately. Haines emphasized the necessity of gathering substantial data to potentially reclassify the squirrel as at-risk.
In contrast to Richardson’s ground squirrels, which adapt well to human-altered environments, Franklin’s ground squirrels heavily rely on natural habitats with dense vegetation and forested areas. The conversion of these habitats for agricultural and urban development has directly contributed to the decline in their populations, restricting them to a few remaining areas.
Notable locations where Franklin’s ground squirrels have been sighted include Wabamun Lake Provincial Park, Pigeon Lake, Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park, Rochon Sands Provincial Park, and Buffalo Lake. Haines expressed concerns about the vulnerability of certain populations and highlighted the species’ natural existence in small numbers, making them susceptible to local extinctions.
The project, which involves field research by Haines and her team, encourages public participation in documenting current and historical sightings of Franklin’s ground squirrels through platforms like iNaturalist. This collaborative effort aims to track the species’ distribution across the province and gather crucial information for conservation purposes.
The ongoing research does not have a specified end date but evolves to address different aspects periodically. Currently, the focus is on understanding the squirrel’s diet and habitat preferences. Haines emphasized the significance of public contributions to enhance the understanding of Franklin’s ground squirrels and reiterated the importance of continuous data submissions.
Myrna Pearman from the Red Deer River Naturalists shared her admiration for the squirrels, highlighting their friendly nature and unique behaviors. Inspired by her fascination, Pearman joined Haines in the field to photograph the squirrels, hoping to raise awareness and advocate for their protection by the provincial government.
Amid the declining population of Franklin’s ground squirrels, efforts to monitor and conserve this species have gained momentum. With distinctive features and habitat requirements, these ground squirrels play a vital ecological role in Alberta’s diverse wildlife landscape.