Koprowski, J. L. 2005. Management and conservation of tree squirrels: The importance of endemism, species richness, and forest condition. USDA Forest Service Proceedings RMRS-P-36: 245-250.
Authors
Tree squirrels are excellent indicators of forest health yet the taxon is understudied. Most tree squirrels in the Holarctic Region are imperiled with some level of legal protection. The Madrean Archipelago is the epicenter for tree squirrel diversity in North America with 5 endemic species and 2 introduced species. Most species of the region are poorly studied in keeping with an international dearth of data on this taxon; 3 of the 5 native species are the subject of <3 publications. Herein, I review literature on the response of squirrels to forest management from clearcutting to less comprehensive operations. Major threats to squirrel diversity in the Madrean Archipelago’s Sky Islands are the introduction of species, altered fire regimes, and inappropriate application of forestry practices.