Did you know that behind-the-scenes, Phoenix Zoo’s Conservation and Science team has been working to develop a breeding program for the highly endangered Mount Graham red squirrel? Found only at the top of Mount Graham in southeastern Arizona, this squirrel’s population declined to as low as 35 individuals after the 2017 Frye wildfire destroyed much of their habitat. Phoenix Zoo Conservation Technicians joined up with our conservation partners this past September to help conduct the annual census of these squirrels on Mount Graham, and we’re thrilled that the survey revealed a substantial increase! This year’s population estimate is 233 squirrels, up from 144 in 2023.
“Having the opportunity to participate in the Mount Graham red squirrel census survey this past fall and see the squirrels in the wild was such a rewarding experience that I will never forget” says Phoenix Zoo Conservation Technician Alyssa Bullock. “Even though I have spent a lot of time caring for the squirrels at the Zoo’s Conservation Center, it felt like I was seeing them for the first time again in the wild, which was so exciting for me!”
Back at the Zoo, our Conservation and Science team is anxiously awaiting the upcoming breeding season for our Mount Graham red squirrels. This spring we’ll be keeping a close eye on the squirrels to look for behavioral changes and signs of breeding readiness. Our hope is to produce squirrel pups that will be candidates for release to the wild. Learn more about our conservation work with Mount Graham red squirrels and other native species at https://www.phoenixzoo.org/local-conservation/.
