Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel (U. Brunneus Brunneus)
The northern Idaho ground squirrel subspecies, hereafter referred to as NIDGS, is found in Valley and Adams counties, in about two dozen isolated demes (population groups) thought to occur only at an elevations between 1150–1550 meters (3775–5075 feet). Recently, demes of NIDGS were discovered at elevations up to 2290 meters (7500 feet). The most recent numbers from the Fish and Wildlife Service suggest that 500 or less of these squirrels are in existence, however the recent discovery of squirrels at higher elevations may mean that there are indeed many more squirrels than we know of. Many areas of suitable squirrel habitat remain to be surveyed by Payette National Forest and Idaho Department of Fish and Game employees. The squirrel is currently protected by an agreement between the US Fish and Wildlife Service and private landowners, who, in exchange for federal funding, have agreed to allow the Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct conservation efforts on their land. Timber thinning and prescribed fire projects on the Payette National Forest have proven to expand some of the existing populations of Northern Idaho ground squirrels.
Read more about this topic: Idaho Ground Squirrel
Famous quotes containing the words northern, ground and/or squirrel:
“Our ancestors were savages. The story of Romulus and Remus being suckled by a wolf is not a meaningless fable. The founders of every state which has risen to eminence have drawn their nourishment and vigor from a similar wild source. It was because the children of the Empire were not suckled by the wolf that they were conquered and displaced by the children of the northern forests who were.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Having interr’d her Infant-birth,
The watry ground that late did mourn,
Was strew’d with flow’rs for the return
Of the wish’d Bridegroom of the earth.”
—Edward Herbert (1583–1648)
“The squirrel hoards nuts and the bee gathers honey, without knowing what they do, and they are thus provided for without selfishness or disgrace.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)