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Mount Graham, a unique “sky island” rising from the Arizona desert, is the last stand for the critically endangered Mt. Graham red squirrel. Decades of habitat loss, exacerbated by a devastating wildfire in 2017, have pushed the species to the brink. While the squirrel population has shown a recent rebound, its long-term survival remains precarious in the face of climate change and ongoing environmental challenges.
The Frye Fire, ignited by lightning in June 2017, ripped through over 28,000 acres of the Pinaleño Mountains, destroying crucial spruce-fir and mixed-conifer forests – the squirrel’s primary habitat. In the immediate aftermath, the population plummeted to just 35 individuals, a loss described as “apocalyptic” by Holly Hicks of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The fire impacted areas ranging in elevation from 1,219 to over 3,000 meters, according to the University of Arizona’s research on the event.
Today, the situation is cautiously optimistic. A December survey revealed a population of 232 Mt. Graham red squirrels, roughly the same number that existed before the Frye Fire, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. This recovery, however, is tempered by the slow pace of forest regeneration and the looming threat of a changing climate.
The “Escalator Effect” and a Changing Habitat
Mt. Graham’s unique geography – a high-elevation island of forest surrounded by desert – makes the red squirrel particularly vulnerable. Researchers refer to this as the “escalator effect,” where warming temperatures force species to move higher up the mountain in search of suitable habitat. Eventually, there’s nowhere left to go. “As climate warms,” explained University of Arizona researcher Bret Pasch, “species will be increasingly pushed up to the top of the mountain, and then eventually lost.”
The impact of climate change extends beyond simply shrinking habitat. Warming temperatures are too disrupting the squirrels’ food supply. These squirrels rely on the seeds from cone-bearing trees, storing them in middens – piles of shredded cones used as long-term food caches. Pasch describes these middens as “forest refrigerators,” but with a changing climate, “the refrigerators are kind of busted,” increasing the risk of spoilage and food scarcity.
Breeding Challenges and Conservation Efforts
Far from the mountain, biologists at the Phoenix Zoo have been working since 2014 to establish a captive breeding program for the Mt. Graham red squirrel. Despite their efforts, breeding has proven unsuccessful. Conservation Director Tara Harris noted that initial assumptions about the squirrels’ mating habits and territoriality proved incorrect. “They just keep throwing us for a loop,” she said. Despite the lack of breeding success, scientists have banked DNA samples, preparing for the possibility of cloning as a last resort.
Alongside the captive breeding program, ongoing efforts focus on habitat restoration and wildfire mitigation. Hicks from the Arizona Game and Fish Department stated that controlled burns are being used to reduce fuel loads and minimize the risk of future catastrophic fires. Trees are also being treated with pheromone packets to combat insect infestations.
Looking Ahead
The recovery of the Mt. Graham red squirrel is a testament to the dedication of scientists and conservationists. While the population has rebounded from its lowest point, the species faces ongoing challenges. Continued monitoring, habitat restoration, and proactive wildfire management will be crucial to ensuring its long-term survival. The future of this unique species hinges on addressing the broader impacts of climate change and protecting its fragile mountain ecosystem.
What are your thoughts on the challenges facing endangered species in a changing climate? Share your comments below and help spread awareness about the plight of the Mt. Graham red squirrel.
