研究者正在迁移男性理查森的地面松鼠,以促进遗传多样性和援助明尼苏达州人口不断下降的复苏。 Researchers are relocating male Richardson’s ground squirrels to boost genetic diversity and aid recovery in Minnesota’s declining populations.

由生物学教授Joe Whittaker率领的康科迪亚学院研究团队正致力于通过一个名为“松鼠”的项目, 恢复明尼苏达西北地区正在下降的理查森松鼠数量。 A Concordia College research team led by biology professor Joe Whittaker is working to revive declining Richardson’s ground squirrel populations in northwest Minnesota through a project called "squirrelnapping." 从2024年开始,在明尼苏达国家自然资源局的支持下,该小组将附近地区的雄松鼠迁移到别处,以便在人口急剧下降的地区促进遗传多样性,这很可能是由于冬季中期洪水、干旱、杀虫剂和过度放牧造成的。 Starting in 2024 with support from the Minnesota DNR, the team relocated male squirrels from nearby areas to boost genetic diversity in regions hit by a sharp population drop, likely due to mid-winter flooding, drought, pesticides, and overgrazing. 这项旨在提高物种抗御能力的努力涉及Clay和Polk县的监测地点,释放地点保密,以保护动物。 The effort, aimed at improving species resilience, involves monitoring sites in Clay and Polk counties, with release locations kept confidential to protect the animals. 该小组于2025年11月提出了调查结果,并寻求资金以扩大这项工作,因为居住在草地上的松鼠在明尼苏达西部和北达科他州部分地区面临持续威胁。 The team presented findings in November 2025 and seeks funding to expand the work, as the grassland-dwelling squirrels face ongoing threats in western Minnesota and parts of North Dakota.