A call is out to Albertans from scientists to be on the lookout for a rare rodent. The elusive Franklin’s ground squirrel is under scrutiny in a research initiative spearheaded by wildlife biologist Jess Haines in collaboration with Nature Alberta, a conservation group. The genesis of the project came about when local naturalists observed a decline in this squirrel species and realized that no one was actively studying it.
The primary goal of the project is to demonstrate the actual decrease in the population of Franklin’s ground squirrels. Currently, the Alberta government categorizes them as “undetermined,” indicating inadequate data to assess the species’ status. Haines emphasized the process required to alter this designation.
Unlike Richardson’s ground squirrels, commonly known as gophers, which flourish in human-altered settings like pastures and golf courses, Franklin’s ground squirrels are highly dependent on natural habitats with dense vegetation and forested regions. Human activities such as land conversion for agricultural purposes and urban expansion have directly contributed to the decline of these once abundantly found squirrels in central Alberta and surrounding areas.
Recognizable 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 noted the varying robustness of different populations, expressing concern over the potential loss of some populations in the near future.
In contrast to other ground squirrels that reside in large, visible colonies, Franklin’s ground squirrels naturally exist in small numbers and low densities, making them susceptible to local extinction due to their limited presence in an area. To aid in the research efforts, the public is encouraged to contribute historical and current observations of these squirrels through iNaturalist, a platform enabling the sharing of wildlife photos and audio recordings worldwide. To date, there have been 188 Franklin’s ground squirrel observations submitted on iNaturalist since 2022.
The project, which involves fieldwork by Haines and her team, including her students, involves capturing and releasing Franklin’s ground squirrels for research purposes. The public can also submit historical sightings via a form on the Nature Alberta website to assist researchers in tracking the species’ past and current distribution in the province.
While the project does not have a specified end date, its focus shifts periodically. For instance, this year, the team is concentrating on the squirrel’s diet and habitat to gain a comprehensive understanding across the province before delving into more specific questions in the future.
Myrna Pearman from the Red Deer River Naturalists expressed her fondness for the squirrels, recounting their tameness and playful antics. She has joined Haines in the field to photograph the squirrels, hoping to garner provincial protection for the species. Pearman highlighted the recent attention given to Franklin’s ground squirrels due to their declining numbers, which had previously gone unnoticed.
Alberta boasts 14 squirrel species, with five of them being ground squirrels. Apart from its unique habitat requirements, the Franklin’s ground squirrel is identifiable by its grey head and long bushy tail. As of now, no squirrel species in Alberta are classified as at-risk.