Scientists are seeking assistance from residents in Alberta to spot a rare rodent. Franklin’s ground squirrel, a species under investigation in a research initiative led by wildlife biologist Jess Haines in partnership with Nature Alberta, has caught the attention of naturalists due to its dwindling numbers. The project’s primary objective is to confirm the decline in the squirrel’s population, which currently holds an “undetermined” status in Alberta, indicating a lack of sufficient data for assessment.
According to Haines, the process of altering the squirrel’s status to “at-risk” requires substantial data collection on their population trends. Unlike Richardson’s ground squirrels that thrive in human-altered environments, Franklin’s ground squirrels rely solely on natural habitats with dense brush and forested areas. The conversion of these lands for agricultural and urban development has directly contributed to the decline of the once-prevalent squirrel populations in central Alberta and surrounding regions.
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. Haines emphasizes that unlike other ground squirrels living in large colonies, Franklin’s ground squirrels exist in low numbers and densities, making them vulnerable to disappearing from an area due to their limited presence.
The research project led by Haines and her team, which frequently involves students, involves extensive fieldwork to study Franklin’s ground squirrels. The public is encouraged to contribute historical and current squirrel observations through platforms like iNaturalist and the Nature Alberta website to track the species’ past and present habitats in the province. While the project does not have a fixed end date, the focus shifts periodically, with the current emphasis on understanding the squirrel’s diet and habitat.
Myrna Pearman of the Red Deer River Naturalists expresses her fondness for Franklin’s ground squirrels, highlighting their unique behavior and the need for their conservation. With the squirrel’s numbers declining, attention is being drawn to their protection. Alberta is home to 14 squirrel species, with five being ground squirrels. Franklin’s ground squirrel stands out with its distinctive grey head and long bushy tail, but currently, no squirrel species in Alberta are classified as at-risk.