Reproductive physiology of Mount Graham red squirrels to support ex situ propagation

Effective species conservation is of crucial importance because human activities have had a profound impact on the natural world. Animal species around the globe are increasingly affected by changes in climate and habitat loss The Mt. Graham red squirrel, a small North American red squirrel sub species that exists only in the Penaleno Mountains of Southern Arizona, is critically endangered with an estimated population of ~100 individuals. My research seeks to develop a breeding program using non-invasive physiology techniques and behavior to produce animals that can be reintroduced into the wild to help augment the wild population providing an opportunity to save the Mt. Graham red squirrel.