The Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel- Max Tannenwald

[Fig. 1]

The Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel (Urocitellus brunneus)

Description and Ecology

[Fig. 2] Note the bordered/shaded areas

The Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel is a unique species, with one of the smallest geographic ranges out of any North American mammal. These squirrel's dorsal fur is a reddish-grey color, as a mix of the animal's black and reddish-yellow hair. These squirrels have a white eye ring. The Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel is one of the Spermophilus brenneus two subspecies, the other being the Southern Idaho Ground Squirrel.  The Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel emerges in late March/early April, and remains above ground until August. 

[Fig 3]. Note the reddish-grey fur!

Geographic and Population Changes

[Fig. 4] Payette National Forest, once home to many Northern Idaho Ground Squirrels

The Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel is now fragmented into several small populations. They are fragmented in the Adams and Valley Counties of west-central Idaho. Between 1980 and 1997, seven populations have became extirpated. For example, this species population in Payette National forest was extirpated in 1997, and the Summit Gulch population was down to only one individual in 1997 as well. 

Currently, thirty-four of the forty populations are extant. Of these thirty-four, sixteen are on National Forests, thirteen are on private land, one is on municipal property, and four are on a combination of Idaho, National forest, or private lands. These populations have been monitored by researchers. Population declines and long-term habitat fragmentation of this species has had devastating consequences. This has lead to fragmented and small populations, that are threatened by several natural factors, making this population prone to extinction. From 1985 to 2002, the populations across all sites has decreased from 5,000 to about 450-500. 

Listing Date and Type of Listing

The Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel's recovery plan was enacted on July 28, 2003. The Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel has a recovery priority number of 3C on a 1-18 scale (1 meaning highest priority), and has a population recovery goal of 5,000 individuals, par with the population's size in 1985.

Cause of Listing and Main threats to continued existence

The primary threat to the The Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel is meadow invasion via conifers, which have substantially reduced the meadow habitats these squirrels need to survive. Recreational shooting is another cause of the listing. These shootings often occur near roads (closer to humans), and have been well documented. This shooting has occurred even though this is illegal; in 1997 the State of Idaho Department of Fish and Game classified this species as non game. As this has not been followed, the State is putting up signs and making it clear it is illegal to hunt these squirrels. The Columbian Ground Squirrels have also threatened The Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel's existence, as they are much large creatures. The Colombian Ground Squirrels forced the The Northern Idaho Ground Squirrels into shallower soil. This soil has less nutrients and provides less protection in the winter, thus negatively affected the Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel's populations.

[Fig. 5] Balsam Fir, a type of conifer destroying habitats of The Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel

Description of Recovery Plan

Several courses of action are needed for the recovery plan. Firstly, the habitat of this species must be maintained and restored. This includes actions such as burning, thinning, livestock grazing and reseeding. 

Secondly, population actions must be put in place. This includes reintroduction of the population, captive breeding combined with a translocation strategy, and more research studies to guide this recovery.

Thirdly, the Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel's population and habitat must be monitored. This includes ground squirrel surveys that will provide more information into how exactly these populations can be restored.

Finally, this plan must be enacted, and the implementation of this plan must be evaluated. This will ensure all plans are being enacted as planned, and that the recovery of this species is going as it should.

What can you do?

We can all make a difference to help the Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel! You can write to the Idaho State government and express your concerns about the recreational hunting occurring in Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel populations, and encourage these policy makers to add more signs and make it clear this hunting is illegal. 

Click on this link to find more courses of action you can take! https://northidahogroundsquirrelrecovery.weebly.com/

Other Resources
Click on this for everything you need to know about the Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel!
Learn about the course of action Texas A&M University is taking

References

[Fig. 1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Idaho_ground_squirrel
[Fig. 2]: http://imnh.isu.edu/digitalatlas/bio/mammal/rod/squir/igsq/igsqfrm.htm

[Fig. 3]: http://173.210.1.82/activities/perini/danielle%20manzi/basics.htm

[Fig. 4]: http://www.thearmchairexplorer.com/idaho/payette-national-forest

[Fig. 5]: https://www.edenbotanicals.com/fir-balsam.html

Works Cited

Bray, Hailey, and Amy Lee. “Idaho Northen Ground Squrriel Recovery.” Idaho Northen Ground Squrriel Recovery, northidahogroundsquirrelrecovery.weebly.com/.

“Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel (Urocitellus Brunneus).” ECOS Environmental Conservation Online System, ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile?spcode=A0EK.

Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife. “Recovery Plan for the Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel.” Species and Populations with Recovery Plans, 16 Sept. 2003, ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/pub/speciesRecovery.jsp?sort=1.

“Wildlife Technician – Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel Project-Idaho.” Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Job Board, wfscjobs.tamu.edu/jobs/wildlife-technician-northern-idaho-ground-squirrel-project-idaho/.