Biogeoscience Institute

Happy Groundhog Day! Wait, what actually is a groundhog? Groundhogs (AKA woodchucks) are large rodents. Although there are woodchucks in Alberta, they are rarely seen and not well studied. Similar and more common species are the hoary marmots and Columbian ground squirrels (pictured) of the mountains , and the yellow-bellied marmots and Richardson’s ground squirrels of the prairies . Groundhogs, marmots and ground squirrels are all true hibernators. They lower their ...body temperature and slow their heart rate for extended periods called torpor. During winter they go through a cycle with periods of torpor interrupted by periods of wakefulness, where they bring their body temp back up. (P.S. the cycle has nothing to do with seeing their shadow! ) Before hibernating, these animals need to make sure they have enough body fat stored to last the whole winter. Waking up too many times, or staying active for too long, can deplete this energy reserve before spring . The #UCalgary RB Miller Field Station and Barrier Lake Field Station have hosted a number of studies on hibernating animals, which can help us better understand how hibernating animals will be affected by, and respond to, climate change! : Vincent LeBlanc, Sheep River Provincial Park #myucalgary #ucalgaryresearch #groundhogday #albertawildlife #hibernation #groundsquirrels #marmots #researchstation #animalfacts

Meet a researcher: Introducing Dr. Stephen Matter! Dr. Matter's research focuses on the spatial and temporal population dynamics and landscape genetics of several alpine butterfly species and their host plants . In simpler terms, him and his team are looking at how differences in the landscape change where butterflies are found, and how that affects their ability to mate and their overall populations. Their main study subject is the Rocky Mountain Apollo Butterfly , Parnu...ssius smintheus and its host plant, Sedum lanceolatum, which can be found near the Barrier Lake Field Station, making it a great base for their summer field work . To read more about Dr. Matter's research, check out the link in our bio! #ucalgaryresearch #myucalgary #biogeoscienceinstitute #BGI #researchstation #butterflyresearch #albertawildlife #albertabugs #albertbutterflies

We've team up with our fellow UC field stations on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucalgaryresearch/

We found a cell phone outside at the field station. Contact us at 403-220-5355 if it is yours!

http://law.ucalgary.ca//phd-students-three-countries-produ

We're excited to hear their amazing science stories. Join us on Sunday 5:00-6:30 pm