Desireé Martinez, Cal Poly Pomona's director of NAGPRA/CalNAGPRA and Tribal Relations, has been instrumental in uncovering the origins of Santa Catalina Island's ground squirrels. A team led by Martinez, a Tongva archaeologist and co-director of the Pimu Catalina Island Archaeological Project, found archaeological and genetic research evidence suggesting that the Tongva people introduced squirrels to Santa Catalina Island more than 1,500 years ago, as indicated by butchering marks on bones and their presence in ancient settlements. She says such findings highlight the Tongva's enduring relationship with Pimu (Santa Catalina Island) and their role in shaping its ecosystem.

This article was originally published by bioGraphic Magazine on April 15, 2025.