The projects purpose is to conduct an investigation on terrestrial small mammals including CDS SGS and YPG in western kansas to discern each species distribution and local and landscape habitat…

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 6 awarded $381,235.00 to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety program (CFDA 15.611) on September 1, 2025. This formula grant supports a terrestrial small mammal investigation in western Kansas extending through December 31, 2029. The project will conduct species distribution and habitat association research on three focal species: CDS (Columbian ground squirrels), SGS (spotted ground squirrels), and YPG (yellow-pine chipmunks) to establish baseline ecological data and local and landscape habitat correlations that are currently lacking in Kansas.

The primary deliverable is foundational baseline research data characterizing species distributions and habitat requirements across western Kansas. This information will support future wildlife management, conservation planning, and long-term monitoring protocols for these terrestrial small mammal species. The project addresses a critical gap in statewide research and monitoring efforts, generating scientific information necessary for informed management decisions and resource allocation by the state wildlife agency.

The projects purpose is to conduct an investigation on terrestrial small mammals including CDS SGS and YPG in western kansas to discern each species distribution and local and landscape habitat associations. Few monitoring or research efforts have been completed in the state and an improved understanding of the focal species ecological requirements is needed. This research aims to gather foundational baseline data that is currently lacking and provide information for future management conservation and monitoring efforts.