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Endangered Species
> Abert's squirrel
Abert’s squirrel
 The
tassel-eared or Abert’s squirrel lives in a tight-knit “web
of life” with the ponderosa pine tree, the morel fungus,
and the northern goshawk and is a management indicator species
for climax ponderosa pine forests on the Carson National
Forest.
Abert’s squirrels are particularly sensitive to habitat
changes in climax ponderosa pine ecosystems. Few species
are as tightly linked to forest structure and function.
As such, the use of this species as a management indicator
species on the Carson National Forest is well founded. Squirrel
densities are found to be extremely low in comparison with
most other regions. While it is likely that drought conditions
are at least partially responsible for these densities,
it remains unknown to what extent general habitat conditions
and management actions on the forest have contributed to
the low densities. Widespread, intensive thinning is thought
to be especially adverse for Abert’s squirrel populations.
For specific questions about our efforts to protect endangered species,
contact Dr. Nicole Rosmarino,
endangered species program director.
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Related Information
The Situation
The United States Forest Service
(USFS) has collected two years of population data
for the Abert’s squirrel across the Carson National
Forest which indicates that the numbers are far
below the population that the USFS believes to be
the minimum viable population for the species.
Related Topics
Mexican
Spotted Owl
Carson National Forest
Recent Press and Documents
For More Information
Habitat Analysis (PDF)
Forest Guardian Reports
Endangered Species NM
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