The Southern California Squirrel Survey: Exploring the spatial ecology and educational role of squirrels in southern California

The behavior and local ecology of squirrels in southern California has made them ideal study species for a mammal-focused citizen science study. Southern California squirrels are easy to observe for people of all ages and... [ view full abstract ]

The behavior and local ecology of squirrels in southern California has made them ideal study species for a mammal-focused citizen science study. Southern California squirrels are easy to observe for people of all ages and backgrounds since most are diurnal, and two species are ubiquitous in even the most urban settings. The current distribution of squirrels is of interest to local mammalogists, especially with regards to the competition between native western gray squirrels (Sciurius griseus) and nonnative eastern fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) over remaining habitat in southern California. The Southern California Squirrel Survey is a citizen science project on iNaturalist.org established to track the distribution of local squirrels with geo-referenced photographs. The scientific objective of the study is to compare current species distributions which are largely based on these citizen science observations to historical distributions based on museum records. Further, we hope to identify behavioral trends that may explain the range expansion and contraction of certain species. The educational objectives are to introduce the public to local squirrel ecology and get them involved in the scientific process by bringing scientists and non-scientists into direct communication and breaking down traditional barriers. The Natural History Museum (NHM) will use various strategies to encourage participation including on and off-site school and public programs in order to cast the widest possible net. Project leaders are committed to making the data open access and useful to both internal staff and other relevant squirrel studies throughout the region (e.g., California State University of Los Angeles western gray squirrel genetic study). Squirrels are not only charismatic but they are a diverse family of species allowing for many opportunities to connect with people of various interests and backgrounds. The project’s overall success will be reliant upon public involvement and coordination between NHM research, marketing, and education staff.