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Did You Know?<\/h2>\n

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• The Kaibab Squirrel is found exclusively in the Grand Canyon National Park<\/li>\n
• There are nine different sub-species of the Albert’s Squirrel, the Kaibab Squirrel is one of them<\/li>\n
• This rare squirrel is offered strict protection from the National Park Service, Forest Service and the State of Arizona<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

  What is a Kaibab Squirrel?<\/h2>\n

  While you are wandering around the ponderosa pine forest along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park (an area that is only 1800 square kilometres) you may notice a small squirrel with a black stomach, a fluffy white tail and rather long tufts on their ears. This my friends is the incredibly rare Kaibab Squirrel. In the past, the Kaibab Squirrel was designated as its own species, however, that designation has be revoked as they are now classed as a sub-species of the Albert’s Squirrel. Naturally, many people still feel that they are distinct enough to warrant species classification but I am going to stick with what Science is telling us. The Kaibab Squirrel is one of the nine sub-species of the Albert’s Squirrel.<\/p>\n

  Building Relationships<\/h2>\n

  What does the Kaibab Squirrel, ponderosa pine and fungi all have in common? You give up already? Their success is dependant upon each other. That’s right, these three ecosystem components form a symbiotic relationship that benefits each member. Just a little bit of background information – the fungi grows on the roots of the ponderosa pine and essentially becomes an extension of the root system. First, you have the ponderosa pine, which provides food for the Kaibab Squirrel and carbohydrates to the fungi. Next up, you have the fungi, which also provides food to the squirrel and draws in water, nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients for the pine trees. Finally, you have the Kaibab Squirrel which spreads the spores of the fungi all over the forest so the fungi and pine trees can flourish.<\/p>\n

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