Short Wave Two Squirrely Responses To Climate Change
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May 22, 2023 Kwasi Wrensford, a Ph.D. graduate from UC Berkeley, studies how climate change affects Alpine and Lodgepole chipmunks. He shares fascinating insights into their contrasting survival strategies amidst a warming world. The Lodgepole chipmunk displays remarkable resilience, while the Alpine chipmunk's habitat is rapidly shrinking. Kwasi discusses the adaptation behaviors of these species and explains how their unique responses might reveal broader implications for wildlife facing climate challenges. Tune in to discover how these squirrelly creatures illustrate important lessons for nature's adaptability!
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Tale of Two Chipmunks
- Kwasi Rensford studies two chipmunk species in the Sierra Nevada mountains: the alpine and lodgepole chipmunks.
- The alpine chipmunk's range has shrunk due to climate change, while the lodgepole chipmunk remains in its historic range.
Alpine Ecosystem Challenges
- Alpine ecosystems present challenges for animals due to limited resources, cooler temperatures, and shorter growing seasons.
- Climate change lengthens the growing season, disrupting animals' adaptation to the historical timeframe.
Chipmunk Trapping
- Kwasi Rensford uses live traps baited with peanut butter, birdseed, or oats to catch chipmunks for his research.
- Bears have also been attracted to the bait, even after the peanut butter is gone.