Idaho Ground Squirrel
Encyclopedia
The Idaho ground squirrel (Urocitellus brunneus) is a species
of the largest genus of ground squirrel
s. There are two subspecies, both in Idaho
. They are also known as Idaho Spotted Ground Squirrel.
and Adams
counties, in about two dozen isolated deme
s (population groups) thought to occur only at an elevations between 1150-1550 meters (3775–5075 feet). Recently, demes of NIDGS were discovered at elevations up to 2290 meters (7500 feet) . The most recent numbers from the Fish and Wildlife Service suggest that 500 or less of these squirrels are in existence, however the recent discovery of squirrels at higher elevations may mean that there are indeed many more squirrels than we know of. Many areas of suitable squirrel habitat remain to be surveyed by Payette National Forest and Idaho Department of Fish and Game
employees. The squirrel is currently protected by an agreement between the US Fish and Wildlife Service and private landowners, who, in exchange for federal funding, have agreed to allow the Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct conservation efforts on their land. Timber thinning and prescribed fire projects on the Payette National Forest
have proven to expand some of the existing populations of Northern Idaho ground squirrels.
, northwest to Weiser, Idaho
and the surrounding area of Squaw Butte, Midvale Hill, and Henley Basin in Gem
, Payette
, and Washington
counties.
Its range is bounded on the south by the Payette River
, on the west by the Snake River
and on the northeast by lava flows. Their habitat is typified by rolling hills, basins, and flats at an altitude of between 670-975 meters (2,200-3,200 feet).
, the Southern subspecies is a candidate endangered species
.
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
of the largest genus of ground squirrel
Ground squirrel
The ground squirrels are members of the squirrel family of rodents which generally live on or in the ground, rather than trees. The term is most often used for the medium-sized ground squirrels, as the larger ones are more commonly known as marmots or prairie dogs, while the smaller and less...
s. There are two subspecies, both in Idaho
Idaho
Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
. They are also known as Idaho Spotted Ground Squirrel.
Description
The species has sexual dimorphism, with males being normally larger than females. Their weight ranges from 120 to 290 grams and are on average 233mm in length, though their range is 209mm to 258mm.Northern Idaho ground squirrel (U. brunneus brunneus)
The northern Idaho ground squirrel subspecies, hereafter referred to as NIDGS, is found in ValleyValley County, Idaho
Valley County is a rural county located in west central Idaho in the United States. Established in 1917, it was named after the Long Valley of the North Fork of the Payette River, which extends over 30 miles from Payette Lake at McCall south to Cascade to Round Valley.The valley was formerly a...
and Adams
Adams County, Idaho
Adams County is a rural county located in the state of Idaho. As of the 2010 census the county had a population of 3,976. The county seat and largest city is Council.Adams County was established in 1911 and was named in honor of President John Adams...
counties, in about two dozen isolated deme
Deme
In Ancient Greece, a deme or demos was a subdivision of Attica, the region of Greece surrounding Athens. Demes as simple subdivisions of land in the countryside seem to have existed in the 6th century BC and earlier, but did not acquire particular significance until the reforms of Cleisthenes in...
s (population groups) thought to occur only at an elevations between 1150-1550 meters (3775–5075 feet). Recently, demes of NIDGS were discovered at elevations up to 2290 meters (7500 feet) . The most recent numbers from the Fish and Wildlife Service suggest that 500 or less of these squirrels are in existence, however the recent discovery of squirrels at higher elevations may mean that there are indeed many more squirrels than we know of. Many areas of suitable squirrel habitat remain to be surveyed by Payette National Forest and Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is the Idaho state department which is responsible for preserving and managing Idaho’s wildlife, including mammals, fish, birds, and invertebrates....
employees. The squirrel is currently protected by an agreement between the US Fish and Wildlife Service and private landowners, who, in exchange for federal funding, have agreed to allow the Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct conservation efforts on their land. Timber thinning and prescribed fire projects on the Payette National Forest
Payette National Forest
The Payette National Forest, is a U.S. National Forest located in central western Idaho, in parts of Valley, Idaho, Adams, and Washington counties. The land area consists of approximately 2.3 million acres of federally managed lands...
have proven to expand some of the existing populations of Northern Idaho ground squirrels.
Southern Idaho ground squirrel (U. brunneus endemicus)
The southern Idaho ground squirrel can be found in an area about 30 by 70 kilometers (48 by 113 miles) extending from Emmett, IdahoEmmett, Idaho
Emmett is a city in Gem County, Idaho, United States. The population was 5,490 at the 2000 census; it was estimated to have risen to 6,341 by 2007...
, northwest to Weiser, Idaho
Weiser, Idaho
Weiser is a city in the rural western part of the U.S. state of Idaho and the county seat of Washington County. With its mild climate, the city supports farm, orchard, and livestock endeavors in the vicinity. The city sits at the confluence of the Weiser River with the great Snake River, which...
and the surrounding area of Squaw Butte, Midvale Hill, and Henley Basin in Gem
Gem County, Idaho
Gem County is a county in the U.S. state of Idaho. The population was 15,181 at the 2000 census; it was estimated at 16,496 in 2007. The county seat is Emmett.Gem County is home to the Idaho ground squirrel....
, Payette
Payette County, Idaho
Payette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Idaho. The county was established in 1917, and at the 2000 Census the county had a population of 20,578 . The county seat is Payette....
, and Washington
Washington County, Idaho
Washington County is a county in the U.S. state of Idaho. Established in 1879 when Idaho was a territory, it was named after U.S. president George Washington. As of the 2000 Census, the county had a population of 9,977; it is estimated to have risen to 10,147 by 2007...
counties.
Its range is bounded on the south by the Payette River
Payette River
The Payette River is an river in southwestern Idaho and is a major tributary of the Snake River.Its headwaters originate in the Sawtooth and Salmon River Mountains at elevations over...
, on the west by the Snake River
Snake River
The Snake is a major river of the greater Pacific Northwest in the United States. At long, it is the largest tributary of the Columbia River, the largest North American river that empties into the Pacific Ocean...
and on the northeast by lava flows. Their habitat is typified by rolling hills, basins, and flats at an altitude of between 670-975 meters (2,200-3,200 feet).
, the Southern subspecies is a candidate endangered species
Endangered species
An endangered species is a population of organisms which is at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters...
.
External links
- Digital Atlas of Idaho entry from Idaho State UniversityIdaho State UniversityIdaho State University is a public university located in Pocatello, Idaho. It has outreach programs in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Boise, and Twin Falls....
- Southern Idaho subspecies profile from the United States Fish and Wildlife ServiceUnited States Fish and Wildlife ServiceThe United States Fish and Wildlife Service is a federal government agency within the United States Department of the Interior dedicated to the management of fish, wildlife, and natural habitats...