Ground-dwelling sciurids such as the Richardson's ground squirrel have a number of attributes to commend them as research subjects, including their medium size, diurnal activity and visibility open prairie habitat.
A population of Richardson's ground squirrels on an 18.5-ha site located 8 km of Picture Butte, Alberta, Canada (49°52'N, 112°40'W, elevation 870m), was under continuous observation from 1979 to 1986. It was bounded by a paved highway, cultivated fields, a cattle feedlot and residences, resulting in it being separated by several kilometers from other large areas of suitable ground squirrel habitat.
Due to a change in land management practices in 1986 that resulted in the destruction of this population, a new study site was founded. Only 3 km away from the first site, the current 1.4-ha study site is located 5 km east and 1 km south of Picture Butte. Fourteen female ground squirrels, ten with litters, were released between 1985 and 1986. To date, every resident ground squirrel on this site can be traced back to these founding females. data Several males have immigrated into this population.
Information about Richardson's ground squirrels is obtained primarily through live-trapping with unbaited traps and simple observation. Each ground squirrel is permanently identified with a uniquely numbered metal tag in each ear. They are also marked with black or brown human hair dye to enable individuals to be identified at a distance. Dye marks are renewed after each moult.
However, not all data can be obtained by direct observation. For information about torpor patterns and underground locations, some ground squirrels are fitted with temperature-sensitive radio transmitters attached around their neck. (see Hibernation Physiology)
Richardson's ground squirrels infested
with flesh flies (Neobelliera citellivora) are euthanized even though this
is an interference with a natural event. Because infested ground
squirrels inevitably die over a period of 5-6 days, killing ground squirrels
is more humane than leaving the animal to be eaten alive by fly larvae.
(see Predators and Parasites)