As part of a larger study on prairie ecosystems, we evaluated the use of playback alarm calls as a monitoring protocol to obtain more representative measures of the detection rate and abundance of Richardson's ground squirrels (Spermophilus richardsonii). Using these data we quantified habitat preferences of Richardson's ground squirrels by comparing availability and use of native pastures and cultivated lands. Lastly, we determined whether grass height influenced Richardson's ground squirrel habitat use. Results from surveys indicated that the playback of alarm calls increased levels of detection of Richardson's ground squirrels in 2003 (t24 = −6.82, P < 0.001) and 2004 (t32 = −5.91, P < 0.001) and estimates of abundance in 2003 (t24 = −4.35, P < 0.001) and 2004 (t32 = −6.82, P < 0.001). Our habitat comparisons showed that Richardson's ground squirrels preferred native pasture and selected against cultivated lands when compared to habitat type availability (X21 = 45.22, P < 0.001). Ground squirrels selected native pasture with grass heights between 0–30 cm and selected against areas with tall grass (>l30 cm; X21 = 7.69, P = 0.0056). Our results suggest that playback alarm calls may constitute an important monitoring protocol to determine Richardson's ground squirrel abundance and habitat use.

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is a collaborative effort of three agencies and many other participants. It is succeeding because of the cooperative teamwork of all partners. This demonstrates a special openminded attitude that goes beyond commitment and pride in any one organization, and is indicative of a desire in our society for multi-species and landscape-level conservation.

for providing me with the recordings of alarm calls of Richardson's ground squirrels and Gail Michener for the use of her photos within the report and on the cover. Thanks also go to Paul Jones (ACA), Brad Taylor (ACA), and Corey Skiftun (ACA) for editing and providing comments.

On the Ground • Between 2008 and 2010 a cultivated field of 57 ha within the mixed grass prairie of southeastern Alberta was restored with native grasses and silver sagebrush plugs. • Wildlife occupying the site increased from being dominated by horned larks to 13 species using the land within 3 years. Two of these species Sprague's pipit and chestnut-collared longspur are native grassland specialists considered "Threatened" under Canada's Species at Risk Act. • Litter values on the reseed in year 3 were approaching normal values that would be expected on a loamy site within a healthy mixed grass prairie.