Exploring the history of urban squirrels in American cities, the impact of squirrels on power outages, and the unexpected consequences of feeding and protecting squirrels. Also, discussing the rivalry between NYSE and Nasdaq, the significance of the completed Squirrel Census, and the perception of squirrel population in New York City parks.
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Quick takeaways
Undertaking a monumental biological census in Central Park shed light on the overlooked Eastern grey squirrel population.
Introduction of Eastern grey squirrels in urban areas aimed to bring nature into cities, leading to population challenges.
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The Grand Biological Census in Central Park
A monumental biological census was undertaken in Central Park to count the Eastern grey squirrels present in the area, a project of unprecedented scale and complexity. With over 300 volunteers conducting counts across designated areas, the Census aimed to answer the fundamental question of the squirrel population in Central Park, shedding light on a commonly overlooked species.
The History of Urban Squirrels
The introduction of Eastern grey squirrels into American cities like Philadelphia in the mid-19th century was a deliberate act aimed at bringing a touch of wilderness into urban environments. These squirrels, initially few in number, faced significant challenges surviving in city landscapes devoid of suitable habitats. However, the transformation of urban green spaces led to the exponential growth of squirrel populations, shaping the urban ecosystem.
The Challenges of Overabundance and Ecological Impact
While the proliferation of urban squirrels brought about by deliberate introductions led to an abundance of these creatures, challenges emerged over time. The squirrel population boom raised concerns about ecological impacts and instances of power outages caused by squirrels. Efforts to strike a balance between wildlife coexistence and environmental sustainability highlight the evolving perspective on human-wildlife interactions in urban settings.
In late 2018, two hundred people gathered at The Explorer’s Club in New York City. The building was once a clubhouse for famed naturalists and explorers. Now it’s an archive of ephemera and rarities from pioneering expeditions around the globe. But this latest gathering was held to celebrate the first biological census of its kind –an effort to count all of the squirrels in New York City’s Central Park. Squirrels were purposefully introduced into our cities in the 1800s, and when their population exploded, we lost track of how many there are.