Richardson’s ground squirrels (Urocitellus richardsonii) are associated primarily with intermediate levels of grassland, clay loam soils, and human development in Canadian mixed-grass prairies

• Published in: Canadian journal of zoology Vol. 99; no. 10; pp. 867 - 875
• Main Authors: Fisher, Ryan J, Vass, Ashley N, Somers, Christopher M, Poulin, Ray G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 1840 Woodward Drive, Suite 1, Ottawa, ON K2C 0P7 NRC Research Press 01.10.2021; Canadian Science Publishing NRC Research Press
• Subjects: Agriculture; burrowing mammal; Clay; Clay loam; Clay soils; cropland; Environmental aspects; grassland; Grasslands; Ground squirrels; habitat use; Habitats; Human beings; Influence on nature; Loam; Loam soils; mammifère fouisseur; Pests; Polls & surveys; prairie; Prairies; Predators; Prey; Richardson’s ground squirrel; Roadsides; Rodents; Species; spermophile de Richardson; terre cultivée; Urocitellus richardsonii; utilisation des habitats; Vegetation; Wildlife; Wildlife habitats; Zoological research; Canada; Saskatchewan Canada
• ISSN: 0008-4301; 1480-3283; 1480-3283; 0008-4301
• DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2021-0059

Richardson’s ground squirrel (Urocitellus richardsonii (Sabine, 1822)) is a widespread burrowing mammal on the northern Great Plains. This species is a prominent prey item for a variety of predators and its burrows provide important habitat for other wildlife; however, Richardson’s ground squirrel is also considered an economically damaging agricultural pest. Despite the ecological importance of Richardson’s ground squirrels and their status as pests, there are gaps in our knowledge about large-scale habitat associations for this species. In 2011 and 2012, we conducted 1840 roadside surveys in a 130 000 km 2 area of southern Saskatchewan, Canada, to understand which habitat features are associated with Richardson’s ground squirrel occurrence. Ground squirrels were observed on 8% of the surveys. Probability of ground squirrel occurrence was highest in areas with moderate amounts of grassland (approximately 30%), areas that were developed by humans (>30%), and had a high proportion of clay loam soils, presumably for burrowing. Our study highlights the importance of heterogeneous landscapes and that areas disturbed by humans may provide suitable vegetation structure for ground squirrels. This information can help to identify important habitat for species that rely on Richardson’s ground squirrels and identify areas where Richardson’s ground squirrels could come into conflict with agriculture.