Habitat-specific distribution and abundance of arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii plesius) in southwest Yukon

A study of Arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii plesius) in the Kluane region of southwest Yukon, Canada, revealed significant habitat-specific distribution and abundance patterns. Populations were notably absent from boreal forest habitats during a low-phase cycle of snowshoe hares, while high densities were observed in low-elevation (1.25 ± 0.22 squirrels/ha) and alpine meadows (5.7 ± 0.22 squirrels/ha). The findings suggest source-sink dynamics between boreal forests and meadow habitats, with the latter acting as persistent refuges for the species. Researchers used late-summer density estimates across three habitat types from 2008 to 2010 to test predictions about predator-mediated population cycles.

Donker, S. A., & Krebs, C. J. (2011). Habitat-specific distribution and abundance of arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii plesius) in southwest Yukon. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 89(6), 570–576. https://doi.org/10.1139/z11-041