Squirrels play important role in Forest regeneration!

Squirrels are known for their surprisingly complex behaviour, and their relationship with other squirrels can sometimes extend beyond their immediate families. Research published in Nature Communications in 2010 found that female North American red squirrels occasionally adopt orphaned babies when their biological mothers die. However, this behaviour is extremely rare. Researchers recorded just five adoptions among 2,230 litters over 19 years. Interestingly, every adopted baby was closely related to its new mother, suggesting that squirrels are more likely to help relatives than unrelated orphans. Squirrels also play an important role in forest regeneration. Many species collect acorns, nuts and seeds and bury them in separate locations to create food reserves for later. This behaviour is called scatter hoarding. Although squirrels remember many of their hiding places, some buried seeds are never recovered. Those forgotten seeds can germinate and eventually grow into trees, helping forests regenerate and spread naturally.