Soft diet, weak jaws. If red squirrels eat too many peanuts, their jaws end up weaker than the jaws of squirrels eating natural diets, researchers report in a recent study published in Royal Society Open Science. The results show that supplemental feeding can produce changes in squirrel morphology, potentially affecting their future success.
The red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) has a dedicated fan base in Great Britain. “They are the native squirrel for the U.K., and yet a large proportion of the population probably has never seen one,” says Phil Cox, an anatomist at University College London.
The fluffy rodents are found in northern England and Scotland, with isolated populations in Wales and a few offshore islands. They rely on pine nuts, hazelnuts, chestnuts, acorns, and yew. But one population in Formby — a town on the west coast of England between Liverpool and Bristol — also received a little dietary help. From the 1990s through the late 2010s, these squirrels got up to 50 percent of their food in the form of peanuts from conservationists and adoring tourists. Peanuts are easier for squirrels to eat than well-armored pine nuts or hazelnuts.
The red squirrel is protected, so scientists curious about the impact of its diet looked at specimens that had been donated to the University of Edinburgh by conservationists who had found deceased squirrels. The team analyzed the shape of 113 skulls and 387 jaws, measuring their likely bite force. The Formby skulls were flatter than skulls from Scotland, and their jaws had muscle attachments closer to the joint — both features that indicate a less efficient bite.
The weaker bite occurred within only a few years, Cox notes, which means it could be a developmental response to soft food. “We know that bone can and does respond to its mechanical environment,” he says.
The skulls of animals that lived in the late 2010s showed interesting changes due to human feeding habits. Squirrel caretakers reduced the amount of peanuts they fed to animals during this time, leading to a shift in the appearance of their skulls. The skulls began to resemble those of their northern counterparts, indicating that the animals were regaining their natural biting abilities.
This observation highlights the impact of human intervention on wildlife and how it can influence even the physical characteristics of animals. The toughness of the food provided to animals plays a crucial role in shaping their biology, including their bone structure. Wildlife managers need to consider not only the nutritional content of the food they provide but also its mechanical properties to ensure the well-being of the animals under their care.
According to experts, if animals are fed food that limits their ability to bite hard, it may take a significant amount of time for them to regain their natural biting strength. This serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that exists in nature and the potential consequences of human interference in the natural behavior of wildlife.
Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of considering all aspects of animal care, including the physical effects of the food they consume. By understanding how feeding practices can impact the biology of animals, wildlife managers can make more informed decisions to promote the health and well-being of the wildlife under their care. The sun was setting over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the landscape. As the day drew to a close, the quiet stillness of the evening settled over the small town. The streets were empty, the only sound being the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze.
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