When we envision earth’s petite creatures, mischief might be the first descriptor that comes to mind. However, these organisms are actually more like unsung heroes of the environment. Take the simple act of scatter hoarding that occurs annually in the fall; myriad creatures scurry about, gathering, and hiding nuts or seeds. Interestingly, this process also features an underlying system of chunking that aids in cataloguing the locations of these hidden treasures.
Ironically, our dear squirrels are renowned for their forgetfulness, often misplacing between 26% to a staggering 95% of their buried provisions. At face value, this may seem like a poorly executed strategy. However, nature ingeniously capitalizes on this shortcoming. Forgotten nuts germinate into trees, giving birth to new carbon-absorbing green giants and intricately knitting the fabric of thriving forests.
The Gray Squirrel, for instance, can bury up to an astounding 10,000 nuts within the span of a single autumn. Consequently, its efforts significantly subsidize afforestation. Studies conduced by the University of Richmond have shed light on the pivotal role squirrels play in preserving and fortifying North America’s oak forests. Our woods would be less diversely populated, of modest proportions and display slower growth without the diligent contributions of these tireless creatures.
