Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Capture, care, and captive breeding of 13-lined ground squirrels, Spermophilus tridecemlineatus.
- Journal:
- Lab animal
- Year:
- 2006
- Authors:
- Vaughan, Dana K et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Biology & Microbiology · United States
Plain-English summary
Researchers are studying 13-lined ground squirrels to learn more about how hibernation works and how it might help in medicine. To do this, they often need to catch these squirrels from the wild, which can be stressful for the animals and can introduce many unknown factors. The authors of this study share helpful tips on how to capture these squirrels, care for them throughout the year (including during their hibernation), and breed them in captivity. By following these methods, researchers can create a more consistent group of squirrels for their studies, making their research more reliable.
Abstract
Researchers use the 13-lined ground squirrel for studies of hibernation biochemistry and physiology, as well as for modeling a variety of potential biomedical applications of hibernation physiology. It is currently necessary to capture research specimens from the wild; this presents a host of unknown variables, not least of which is the stress of captivity. Moreover, many investigators are unfamiliar with the husbandry of this species. The authors describe practical methods for their capture, year-round care (including hibernation), captive mating, and rearing of the young. These practices will allow the researcher to better standardize his or her population of research animals, optimizing the use of this interesting model organism.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16582898/