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 spearheaded by wildlife biologist Jess Haines in collaboration with conservation organization Nature Alberta. Haines mentioned that the project was initiated due to concerns raised by local naturalists about the declining population of the squirrel and the lack of ongoing research efforts.

The primary goal of the project is to provide evidence of the dwindling numbers of Franklin’s ground squirrels. Currently, the Alberta government lists the status of this species as “undetermined” due to insufficient data available for assessing their population trends. Haines emphasized the need to gather substantial data to support reclassifying the squirrel as an at-risk species, as opposed to Richardson’s ground squirrels, which are adaptable to human-altered environments like pastures and golf courses.

Human activities such as land conversion for agricultural purposes and urban expansion have been identified as key factors driving the decline of Franklin’s ground squirrels. Once prevalent across central Alberta and surrounding regions, these squirrels now exist in limited populations. Notable locations where sightings of Franklin’s ground squirrels have been reported include Wabamun Lake Provincial Park, Pigeon Lake, Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park, Rochon Sands Provincial Park, and Buffalo Lake.

Unlike other ground squirrel species that form large, visible colonies, Franklin’s ground squirrels naturally inhabit areas with low numbers and densities, making them more vulnerable to local extinctions. Jess Haines and her team, along with student researchers, conduct fieldwork to study the squirrels, capturing and releasing them for data collection purposes. The public is encouraged to contribute historical and current observations of Franklin’s ground squirrels through platforms like iNaturalist and the Nature Alberta website.

The research project does not have a defined end date but focuses on various aspects periodically. Currently, the team is investigating the squirrel’s diet and habitat, aiming to understand the overall population status in the province. Myrna Pearman from the Red Deer River Naturalists expressed her fondness for Franklin’s ground squirrels and highlighted the need for increased awareness and protection measures for the species. Despite being one of the five ground squirrel species in Alberta, the Franklin’s ground squirrel stands out with its distinctive grey head and bushy tail. Presently, no squirrel species in Alberta are classified as at-risk.