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Abstract
<jats:p>This article presents the results of observations of the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) population within the territory of the ‘Pikhtovskoye Forestry’ State Forestry Enterprise, under the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management of East Kazakhstan Region, as well as the ‘West Altai State Nature Reserve’ of the Committee for Forestry and Wildlife under the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The monitoring involved counting animals at survey sites using photo/video traps, live traps, optical devices and direct visual observation in squirrel habitats. To analyses the animal census, a survey was conducted among foresters and gamekeepers from these organizations. Artificial feeding sites for squirrels were set up. As a result of the observations, the species inhabiting this territory was identified as the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). Daily rhythms show high activity in the morning (up to 10–11 am) and in the afternoon (between 3–5 pm), followed by a decline. The main food source consists of conifer seeds (pine, cedar, spruce, larch). As the observation area comprises mixed and broad-leaved woodland, the diet also included pine nuts, berries and mushrooms. Visual observations within the squirrel’s habitat have identified food competitors with similar diets, such as birds (nutcrackers, crossbills and woodpeckers) and mammals (chipmunks, shrews and bears). An analysis of the forest district inventory records has revealed the predominant tree species growing in this region. The main species are Siberian fir, common aspen, Scots pine and Siberian cedar. Census data, extrapolated over the last five years, shows a trend of both increases and decreases in the population size in this region. A slight decline in the number of animals occurred in 2022. Significant growth was observed in 2024–2025. The survey results allow us to identify patterns in squirrel population numbers alongside other factors.</jats:p>