2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

How Habitat Structure Influences Ground Squirrel Activity Patterns

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Amy Ulappa

Abstract

In Idaho’s arid sagebrush ecosystem, Snake River Plains ground squirrels (Urocitellus idahoensis) face a critical trade off between securing enough food for estivation-hibernation while avoiding thermal stress and predation. Habitat degradation from fires and invasive species alter the habitat and may impact how ground squirrels use their habitat. This study investigates whether the presence of shrubs impact when squirrels emerge from their burrows and whether shrubs buffer them from thermal stress. We predicted earlier emergence in open areas (without shrubs) compared to closed because annual vegetation emerges sooner with less overstory cover. We also predict that squirrels will be out for fewer hours of the day and they estivate earlier in open areas that have more sun exposure. Using motion-triggered cameras at 2 sites in the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area - one open grass and one closed shrub site, we analyzed activity from across winter (Jan-Feb) and summer (May-June) relative to vegetation cover. We predicted activity would peak in moderate microclimates, shifting earlier as temperatures rise, with closed habitats extending viable foraging windows. Results showed squirrels were active during daylight hours and activity peaks between 09:00 and 11:00 in the morning. Summer showed a distinct shift to earlier morning hours to avoid midday heat. Notably, detections were consistently higher at the closed site that provided prolonged foraging windows compared to the open site. Our findings provide essential data for habitat restoration and conservation efforts identifying how Piute ground squirrels utilize different habitat types.

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