In a blog post, the Behavioral Enrichment & Animal Welfare Coordinator at the Phoenix Zoo discussed behavioral enrichment with Mount Graham red squirrels. Only found in southeastern Arizona, the squirrels were given Christmas trees as part of their enrichment activities, allowing them to climb, taste and feel different textures. The species’ population has reduced due to habitat loss from forest pests and wildfires. Still, the Phoenix Zoo is working with several partners to breed the squirrels in managed care to release them into the wild in the future.
Mount Graham Red Squirrels and Christmas Trees
In the pine forests of the Pinaleño Mountains of southeastern Arizona, you can find one of the rarest squirrels in the world, the Mount Graham red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis). The squirrels are small, about seven inches long, and have reddish-brown fur and bushy tails. They are endemic to the Pinaleño Mountains and are only found in the spruce-fir forests at high elevations.
Threats to the Species
The Mount Graham red squirrels are endangered, and their population has dwindled over the past few decades. The primary threat to the species is habitat loss due to climate change, forest fires, logging, and human development. Another significant threat to the species is the introduction of non-native animals like the Abert’s squirrel (Sciurus aberti) and the gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), which compete with the Mount Graham squirrels for food and habitat.
Conservation Efforts
Various conservation efforts are taking place to protect the Mount Graham, red squirrel from extinction. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated the species as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The Arizona Game and Fish Department have also established the Mount Graham Red Squirrel Recovery Plan to develop species conservation and recovery strategies.
Among the strategies are efforts to restore and improve the squirrel’s habitat by reducing logging and preventing fires. Additionally, efforts to eradicate non-native animals from Mount Graham have been ongoing. The recovery plan also encourages the public to participate in programs that help conserve the species, such as planting native trees and supporting research.
The Christmas Tree Trade and the Squirrel Habitat
During the Christmas season, people around the world purchase trees to decorate their homes. Many of these trees, including spruces and firs, come from the forests where the Mount Graham red squirrels live. The process of removing the trees can have negative impacts on the squirrels and their habitat.
Removing trees can disrupt the Mount Graham squirrels’ food supply, nest sites, and shelter from predators. The trees’ removal can also lead to soil erosion, adversely affecting the vegetation and habitat.
Best Practices in the Christmas Tree Trade
Despite the challenges associated with the Christmas tree trade, there are ways to minimize the impact on the Mount Graham red squirrels and their habitat. Christmas tree farmers and retailers can adopt best practices such as:
– Growing trees in rotation: By rotating the harvest of tree farms, the habitat can be preserved, and the squirrels’ food supply can remain stable.
– Supporting reforestation efforts: Planting new trees after harvest can help regenerate the forest and maintain the squirrels’ habitat.
– Organic farming methods: Farmers can reduce the use of pesticides and chemicals to minimize pollution and protect the squirrels’ food sources.
– Sustainable harvesting practices: Harvesting methods that avoid clear-cutting and other invasive techniques can protect the Mount Graham red squirrels’ habitat and reduce soil erosion.
The Mount Graham red squirrel is just one of many endangered species worldwide. By taking small steps, such as supporting sustainable and organic farming and reforestation efforts, we can help protect these species and their habitats for generations to come.
When purchasing a Christmas tree this year, consider choosing an option that supports conservation efforts and best practices in the industry. Together, we can make a difference in protecting the Mount Graham red squirrel and the many other species that call our forests home.
