CRL: Mt. Graham Red Squirrel Research Program

Mount Graham Red Squirrel

The Mt. Graham red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis) is one of twenty-five subspecies of red squirrels found throughout North America.

 

What is the Mt. Graham Red Squirrel Research Program?

The MGRS research program investigates the factors that influence the status of the federally endangered Mt. Graham red squirrel, a species restricted to less than 500 animals isolated on a single forested mountain top in southeastern Arizona. Wildlife biologists and graduate students research the ecology of the species and the high elevation coniferous forest that provides habitat.
Long-term red squirrel monitoring programs efforts on population trends and food resources are made available to state and federal agencies, non-government organizations, and the general public through a website, annual reports, and presentations and publications. Initially started in 1989, the program is funded by the University of Arizona as well as grants from state and federal agencies and integrates efforts in ecological monitoring, basic and applied research, graduate and undergraduate education, and outreach.
Professor John L. Koprowski, Wildlife and Fisheries Science in the University of Arizona's School of Natural Resources & the Environment, joined the University in 2000 and serves as the Director of the program as one component of his research program within his Conservation Research Laboratory.