Richardson’s Ground Squirrel
NDGF
Large colony-dwelling ground squirrel. Pelage is a mixture of buff and black hair on the back with a tan belly.
Status in North Dakota
Year-round resident
Range Map
Richardson’s Ground Squirrel primary range.
Reason for SWAP Designation
The Richardson’s Ground Squirrel serves much the same role as the Black-tailed Prairie Dog does in the western half of the state.
Many species, including other Species of Greatest Conservation Need rely on Richardson’s Ground Squirrels for food and shelter.
There is some indication of a decline within the state.
This, coupled with a lack of information on the species, makes them a conservation priority.
Threats
Conversion of native prairie and rangeland to agricultural lands is the leading threat to the Richardson’s Ground Squirrel.
Poisoning to control and eradicate colonies is prevalent.
Recreational shooting of Richardson’s Ground Squirrels may affect populations.
Research and Monitoring
- No survey effort is currently in place for this species.
- Surveys to establish baseline information on Richardson’s Ground Squirrels need to be conducted.
Management Recommendations
- Protect native prairie where possible.
- Consider removal of dilapidated shelterbelts or stands of trees within grassland, particularly within 50 meters of grassland patches >100 ha.
- Implement grazing systems to benefit grassland species.
- Work cooperatively with state and federal agencies to develop BMP’s that promote use of fire.
- Control noxious weeds through biological and chemical methods.
- Use fire or other tools to prevent woody invasion of grassland.
- Work with state and federal agencies to enforce existing pesticide regulations.
- Coordinate with wind energy companies to minimize impacts to grasslands.
Primary Geological Regions
Habitat Associations
Habitat Use
A colonial species, Richardson’s Ground Squirrels prefer intact blocks of rangeland.
Well grazed pastures of native or tame grass in areas of sandy loam or gravelly soils offer the best conditions for burrowing.
Areas near agricultural fields are also preferred, as cereal grain is used as a food source.
Key Areas for Richardson’s Ground Squirrel in North Dakota are found only east of the Missouri River in North Dakota.
Portions of Mclean, McHenry, Pierce, Eddy, and Foster counties are key areas for this species because of their larger tracts of intact prairie.
Over 90% of their diet consists of flowers, leaves, seeds, and agriculture crops; with the remaining portion consisting of insects or other animal material.