| Round-tailed Ground Squirrels occur primarily in sandy, relatively flat desert, from Death Valley, which is about 70 m below sea level, to elevations of 1,200 m. They dig their burrows in loose soil, often under a shrub. Mesquite and creosotebush are typically the dominant plants in their habitat. They can stay active on very hot days, and in some areas they are active year-round. In other places, they spend most of their time underground from September until January, but they do not hibernate. Predators include birds of prey, coyotes, badgers, and snakes.
Also known as:
Roundtail Ground Squirrel
Sexual Dimorphism:
None
Length:
Range:
202-278 mm
Weight:
Range:
110-170 g
References:
Baird, S.F., 1857 [1858]. Mammals. In Reports of explorations and surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, p. 315. Vol. 8, Pt. 1. Mammals. Beverly Tucker Printer, Washington, D.C., 8(1):1-757 + 43 plates.
Links:
Mammal Species of the World
Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account
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