Scientists are urging residents of Alberta to be on the lookout for a rare rodent species. The Franklin’s ground squirrel, a creature of elusive nature, is the focal point of a research initiative led by wildlife biologist Jess Haines in collaboration with the conservation group Nature Alberta. The research was sparked by concerns raised within the community about the declining population of this squirrel, which had previously gone unaddressed.
The primary goal of the project is to establish evidence of the decline in Franklin’s ground squirrel population. Currently, the status of the species is marked as “undetermined” by the Alberta government due to insufficient data. Efforts are underway to gather enough information through the research project to potentially reclassify the squirrel as “at-risk.” Unlike Richardson’s ground squirrels, which thrive in human-altered environments such as pastures and golf courses, Franklin’s ground squirrels depend strictly on natural habitats with dense foliage and forested regions.
Human activities like land conversion for agriculture and urban development have directly contributed to the decline of the once widespread squirrel species in central Alberta and beyond. Franklin’s ground squirrels are now confined to a few remaining populations, with locations like Wabamun Lake Provincial Park, Pigeon Lake, and others being identified as habitats where they can still be found.
Unlike other ground squirrel species that live in large colonies, Franklin’s ground squirrels naturally exist in small numbers and low densities, making them vulnerable to local extinctions. The ongoing research project, which involves fieldwork and public participation, aims to track the distribution and status of the squirrel population across the province. Members of the public are encouraged to contribute historical and current observations of Franklin’s ground squirrels through platforms like iNaturalist and the Nature Alberta website.
The project, led by Jess Haines and her team, focuses on capturing, studying, and releasing Franklin’s ground squirrels back into the wild. The research is ongoing, with periodic shifts in priorities to address specific concerns about the squirrel’s habitat and survival. Efforts to raise awareness about the declining population of Franklin’s ground squirrels have gained support from individuals like Myrna Pearman, who has actively participated in fieldwork and advocated for protection of the species.
The unique features of the Franklin’s ground squirrel, including its grey head and bushy tail, set it apart from other squirrel species in Alberta. With no squirrel species currently classified as at-risk in the province, the research project aims to gather critical data to ensure the conservation of this rare rodent.