The Mount Graham Red Squirrel was first listed as endangered in 1987. Since listing, AZGFD has partnered with USFS, USFWS, APHIS-Wildlife Services (WS), the Phoenix Zoo, and the University of Arizona to restore the species population on its namesake mountain near Safford, Arizona. The partners collaborate on annual survey efforts to monitor active squirrel middens. Surveys are conducted in the fall in order to coincide with juvenile dispersal and establishment of their own territories. These efforts help estimate squirrel population numbers and trends. Survey results also help identify important areas of habitat the species is utilizing year after year. This is vital information that helps inform conservation efforts and forest management plans.
Wildfires, such as the Frye Fire that tore through Mount Graham in 2017, can negatively impact the squirrels by destroying their habitat. These events can be devastating to an endangered species in isolated populations such as the Mount Graham Red Squirrel. Still, the species is facing other threats, including resource competition with the invasive Abert’s Squirrel and insect infestation. These and other threats have led to the investigation of a captive breeding effort with the Phoenix Zoo which was initiated in 2011. On-going research could provide the necessary data for successful propagation if the need arises.
By the Numbers:
The Mount Graham Red Squirrel population grew by 4% in 2019 as it is just beginning to recover from the devastating Frye Fire.
New survey protocols have been in development to help find new areas that Mount Graham Red Squirrels are utilizing following the Frye Fire.
Partnership with APHIS-WS has helped control the Abert’s Squirrel population, reducing the adverse effects of competition.
Partnership with USFS are restoring coniferous tree habitats that are critical to Mount Graham Squirrel recovery following the Frye Fire.
The Phoenix Zoo has not been successful at rearing young but have gained valuable insight into the behavior of these squirrels and also analyzed hormone levels which are indicative of reproductive receptiveness.