Conservation Research Laboratory: General Conservation Projects

Erin Posthumus


Can red squirrel middens influence species diversity?

  • Time Period: August 2010-Present

  • Location: Mt. Graham, AZ, U.S.A.

Red squirrels create structures, called middens, that concentrate food resources and create structural complexity in the forest, and some studies have found certain wildlife species to be associated with these middens. What is unclear is which characteristics of these middens attract species. My research will attempt to show which midden characteristics are most valuable to species diversity, which will have implications for forest management practices. My study will also shed light on the importance of larderhoarding animals to species diversity.

Major Questions: Does species diversity differ at occupied middens, unoccupied middens and random locations? What characteristics of middens (i.e. vegetation features, food resources, and midden structure) affect species diversity? What is the importance of midden microclimate in explaining diversity?

Major Findings: Research in Progress