Advice from Owlie - California Ground Squirrel

Q: Dear Owlie,

I recently learned about keystone species. Can you help me understand what that is and if there are any keystone species at the Chino Creek Wetlands? Thank you!

Sincerely,

Species Specialist

A: Dear Species Specialist,

What an exciting topic! A keystone species is an organism that helps define an entire ecosystem. This means that if that organism were removed from the ecosystem, the environments they live in would change drastically.

One of the keystone species that can be found at the Chino Creek Wetlands is the California ground squirrel. California ground squirrels have a gray, brown, and white coat. Its shoulders, neck, and sides are a lighter gray, and its bushy tail is a combination of the colors that appear on its back. California ground squirrels are a keystone species because of its digging. Their digging helps to turn soil and move seeds, and their abandoned burrows serve as homes to many animals like burrowing owls and endangered frogs and salamanders.

Be sure to let me know if you see a California ground squirrel during your next trip to the wetlands!

I’ll talk to you all soo(HOO)n!

Owlie