Scientists in Alberta are seeking assistance from the public in locating a rare rodent species. The Franklin’s ground squirrel, a focus of a research initiative led by wildlife biologist Jess Haines at MacEwan University, in collaboration with Nature Alberta, is being studied due to concerns about its declining population. The project aims to gather sufficient data to potentially reclassify the species as at-risk, as its current status in Alberta is labeled as “undetermined.”
Unlike Richardson’s ground squirrels, which thrive in human-altered landscapes such as pastures and golf courses, Franklin’s ground squirrels are dependent on natural habitats with dense vegetation and forested areas. The conversion of these lands for agricultural and urban purposes has been a significant factor contributing to the decline of the once-prevalent Franklin’s ground squirrels in central Alberta and surrounding regions.
The project encourages public participation by reporting historical and current observations of Franklin’s ground squirrels through platforms like iNaturalist and the Nature Alberta website. By compiling these submissions, researchers can map the species’ historical and present distribution across the province. The project, which is ongoing and adaptable in focus, aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the species and address specific concerns in the future.
Myrna Pearman from the Red Deer River Naturalists shared her interest in Franklin’s ground squirrels, highlighting their unique characteristics and behaviors. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the declining population of these squirrels to ensure their protection by the provincial government. With 14 squirrel species in Alberta, including five ground squirrel varieties, the Franklin’s ground squirrel stands out with its distinctive features like a grey head and a long bushy tail. Currently, no squirrel species in Alberta are classified as at-risk.