Flying Squirrels in Minnesota: A Tale of Two Species
In the heart of North America, researchers in Minnesota’s northern-central regions are throwing a spotlight on the elusive world of nocturnal creatures, particularly the flying squirrel. Despite its fascination, this tiny acrobat has received scant attention in scientific research nationwide.
Minnesota is home to two fascinating species of these aerobatic gnomes – one dwelling in the southern woods and the other inhabiting the northern forests. Their presence has piqued the interest of the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at the University of Minnesota.
The southern species, which resembles a common squirrel, prefers densely packed hardwood landscapes, like those found in maple and oak forests. Its northern cousin, however, makes its home among coniferous trees such as pines and spruces.
These two species share overlapping habitats, such as the mixed forests stretching from west of Duluth to Bemidji. Researchers suspect that the southern species is moving northward, drawn by milder winters, and they’re eager to understand the impact this might have on their northern kin.
The southern species’ potential northward expansion could put pressure on the northern variety, which is a species of concern in Wisconsin. To unpack this complex ecological puzzle, researchers have launched a multi-pronged study designed to understand these elusive fliers like never before.
The project, spearheaded by ecologist Anna Mangan, involves creating acoustic devices to capture the chatter and chirps of flying squirrels, providing cues to their nests and roosts. So far, the team has conducted fieldwork primarily in the Duluth and Cloquet forests, where these squirrels are known to gather.
In these areas, researchers have captured and tagged both species to track their travel distances and roosting sites. This spring, they plan to ramp up their efforts, conducting additional photo captures and installing acoustic detectors in the Remer region.
While these squirrels may seem like backyard wildlife, their fate is intricately linked to the health of Minnesota’s forests. The southern species, for instance, feeds predominantly on oak and maple seeds, inadvertently aiding their dissemination as they migrate northward.
Meanwhile, their northern counterparts play a crucial role in forest health by dining on truffles, whose fungal spores promote tree growth. The potential displacement of these northern squirrels due to competition could have far-reaching impacts on Minnesota’s ecosystems.
Flying squirrels are nocturnal masters, navigating landscapes with oversized eyes and ears. They glide between treetops, using their patagium – a membrane stretched between their front and hind legs – to soar distances of 20 to 30 feet, occasionally reaching up to 150 feet. Their long, flat tails act like a rudder, steering their mid-air acrobatics.
The dynamics of these two species living side by side remain unclear. While competition is likely, recent observations of cohabitation in shared tree holes suggest a more nuanced relationship than Initially thought.
To date, the research team has captured 122 flying squirrels, with 22 from each species tagged for study. Despite shared spaces, these encounters aren’t neutral – they play out on various scales, from subtle competition to overt aggression.
The southern species’ movement northward isn’t just a concern for ecological harmony – it may also have implications for human health. A parasite called Strongyloides robustus, carried by the southern species, can be deadly if transferred to humans. While present in Minnesota, its prevalence is low, according to ecologist Michael Joyce.
Joyce notes that estimating the flying squirrel population in Minnesota is challenging, with "millions and millions" residing statewide. "If you live in a heavily forested area," he says, "you might have one to a dozen flying squirrels in your backyard."
These acrobatic squirrels are a cherished part of Minnesota’s wildlife tapestry, deserving of scholarly attention and conservation effort. Their story serves as a microcosm of broader ecological concerns, highlighting the subtle interplay of species, habitats, and climate.
Researchers like Joyce and Mangan hope their findings will help wildlife managers better understand and protect these airborne enigmas, ensuring their continued flight through Minnesota’s forests.
Tribune Bintang Minnesota, 2024
