Capture, care, and captive breeding of 13-lined ground squirrels, Spermophilus tridecemlineatus.
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.
Vaughan
Dana K
DK
Department of Biology & Microbiology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, 54901, USA. vaughan@uwosh.edu
Gruber
Aaron R
AR
Michalski
Michelle L
ML
Seidling
Jeffrey
J
Schlink
Sarah
S
D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D012376:Rodent Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D012589:Sciuridae / Q000502:physiology*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D014730:Veterinary Medicine