Arctic ground squirrels are amazing animals that have adapted to survive the harsh winter conditions of the Arctic by hibernating for more than half of the year.
During hibernation, their body temperatures can drop below freezing without causing any damage to their tissues and organs.
However, a new study published in the journal Science has revealed that these squirrels are altering their hibernation patterns in response to climate change.
How climate change affects the hibernation timing and duration of Arctic ground squirrels
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The study, led by researchers from Colorado State University and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, analyzed more than 25 years of data on the climate and biology of Arctic ground squirrels near Toolik Field Station in northern Alaska, as per Phys.org.
They used radio collars to track the emergence and entry dates of hibernation of individual squirrels, as well as temperature sensors to measure the soil temperature at different depths.
They found that the squirrels are emerging from hibernation earlier and entering hibernation later than before, resulting in shorter hibernation periods. The average hibernation period has decreased by about 10 days over the study period.
The researchers also discovered that male and female squirrels have different responses to climate change.
Male squirrels tend to emerge earlier than females but also enter hibernation later.
This means that males have a longer active season than females, which could have implications for their reproduction and survival.
How soil temperature influences the hibernation of Arctic ground squirrels
The researchers attributed the changes in hibernation patterns to the changes in soil temperature caused by climate change, as per ScienceDaily.
They found that the soil temperature at a depth of one meter, where the squirrels build their burrows, has increased by about 1.5 degrees Celsius over the study period.
This has reduced the time that the soil is frozen by about 10 days.
Soil temperature is a key factor that influences the hibernation of Arctic ground squirrels, as it affects their metabolism and energy use. The researchers suggest that warmer soil temperatures may signal to the squirrels that spring have arrived earlier and winter has arrived later, prompting them to adjust their hibernation timing accordingly.
The researchers also found that soil temperature varies across different locations and depths, creating a mosaic of thermal environments for the squirrels.
This may allow some squirrels to find cooler or warmer spots to hibernate, depending on their preferences and needs.
Implications for Conservation and Adaptation
The study provides new insights into how Arctic ground squirrels cope with changing environmental conditions, as per Colorado State University.
It also raises questions about how these changes will affect their population dynamics and interactions with other species.
The researchers warn that shorter hibernation periods may expose the squirrels to more predators, parasites, and diseases, as well as increase their energy demands and food competition.
On the other hand, longer active seasons may also offer more opportunities for growth and reproduction.
The researchers hope that their findings will help inform conservation efforts and improve our understanding of how wildlife adapts to climate change.
They also plan to continue monitoring the squirrels and explore how other factors such as genetics, physiology, and behavior may influence their responses to climate change.
