Arctic Ground Squirrel

At the Preserve

Resources

Yukon Specific Research

Territoriality and male reproductive success in arctic ground squirrels by Eileen A. Lacey and John R. Wieczorek:
This article covers a study done on arctic ground squirrel mating behaviours in a colony from the Kluane Game Sanctuary right here in the Yukon. The aim of the study was to determine whether territorial ownership and defense corresponded to better reproductive success for male ground squirrels. In other words, does owning and defending territory grant male ground squirrels exclusive access to the female ground squirrels residing there. The answer is: sort of but not really. 

Sexually selected infanticide by male red squirrels in advance of a mast year by Haines, J.A., Coltman, D.W., Dantzer, B., Gorrell, J.C., Humphries, M.M., Lane, J.E., McAdam, A.G., & Boutin, S.
This study conducted as part of the Kluane Red Squirrel Project noted cases of infanticide by male red squirrels during masting years (seasons when trees produce the most seeds). This paper describes that study and explores the possible reason behind infanticide during a time of food abundance.

Arctic ground squirrel population collapse in the boreal
forests of the Southern Yukon Jeffery R. Werner, Charles J. Krebs, Scott A. Donker, Rudy Boonstra, and Michael J. Sheriff.
This study explores population collapse in the Kluane area of southern Yukon of particular note between 2000-2013 of the Arctic ground squirrel population. The study explores predation as initial cause of collapse with continued low popoulation in these areas. 

Contribute a Resource

Do you have resources (especially Yukon specific ones) we should know about? Send us a link and summary/blurb to add to this page.