Karen E. Munroe Studying Round-tailed Ground Squirrels

Biology                                                                       Content provided by:  Karen E. Munroe, University of Arizona

Our Study

Throughout the Monument, you may notice biologists watching the round-tailed ground squirrels.  They are collecting data as part of a long term study on the ecology of round-tailed ground squirrels.  The study will produce an extensive data set pertaining to the social, movement and mating patterns of these animals.  More specifically the biologists are studying how relatedness amongst squirrels affects specific behaviors like aggression, dispersal and mating decisions.  When concluded, this research will provide necessary information on this species and will help understand other squirrel species.

How we do this

In order to identify individual squirrels from a distance, animals are uniquely marked.  Squirrels are captured in metal box live traps and transferred to a soft cloth-handling cone.  There they are examined for general health, weight and size measurements are taken.  The squirrels are then fitted with ear tags, which are like self-piercing earrings that have a unique identification number and color pattern.  A DNA sample is also taken to determine the squirrel’s relatedness to other squirrels in the monument.

After tagging, round-tailed ground squirrels can be identified and observed from a distance.  Individual squirrels are observed for a given length of time and a record of their behaviors are made.  Movements are also recorded so that home range size and dispersal patterns can be determined.

For More Information....

Contact:

Karen E. Munroe
Wildlife and Fisheries Resources
School of Renewable Natural Resources
The University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona 85721

kmunroe@ag.arizona.edu

Links:

Biota Information System Of New Mexico (BISON)