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MOUNT GRAHAM: Report Finds Squirrels Survived 3 Telescopes
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 31, 2007
Summary
Telescope construction on Mount Graham has had no significant effect on the endangered Mount Graham red squirrel population. Further studies are needed as telescope development continues on the sky island.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Astronomy
Background:
- Mount Graham hosts a unique ecosystem, including an endangered subspecies of red squirrel.
- Congressional approval in 1988 permitted telescope construction on Mount Graham.
- Concerns arose regarding the impact of astronomical development on the local endangered species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To monitor the population of the endangered Mount Graham red squirrel.
- To assess the effects of existing telescope construction on the red squirrel population.
Main Methods:
- Long-range population study initiated by the U.S. Forest Service.
- Ongoing monitoring of the endangered red squirrel subspecies.
Main Results:
- Current telescope construction activities have had no significant impact on the red squirrel population.
- The study provides baseline data on the squirrel population in relation to development.
Conclusions:
- The initial phase of telescope construction has not demonstrably harmed the endangered red squirrel population.
- The findings are unlikely to quell ongoing debate as further telescope development is planned.
