Mountain ground squirrel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mountain ground squirrel |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Geosciurus
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| Species: |
princeps
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| Synonyms | |
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Xerus princeps |
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The mountain ground squirrel (Geosciurus princeps) is a type of rodent that lives in southwestern Angola, western Namibia, and western South Africa. People also call it the Kaoko ground squirrel or the Damara ground squirrel.
It is very closely related to the Cape ground squirrel (its Latin name is Geosciurus inauris). These two squirrels look so much alike that it's hard to tell them apart in nature. Both have long, bushy black and white tails. They also have a white stripe that goes from their shoulder towards their back. The mountain ground squirrel is usually a bit bigger than the Cape ground squirrel. However, their sizes can often overlap. Scientists can also tell them apart by looking at how their skulls are shaped. Also, the mountain ground squirrel's front teeth (called incisors) are yellow to orange, while the Cape ground squirrel's are white.
Where Do Mountain Ground Squirrels Live?
The mountain ground squirrel lives in a small, dry area in southwest Africa. This area stretches from southern Angola to southern Namibia. It goes as far south as Richtersveld National Park in South Africa.
What Does a Mountain Ground Squirrel Look Like?
The mountain ground squirrel is a large squirrel with small ears. Its head and body together measure about 23 to 29 centimeters (9 to 11 inches) long. Its tail is about 21 to 28 centimeters (8 to 11 inches) long. These squirrels usually weigh between 490 and 710 grams (1.1 to 1.6 pounds).
Their bodies are covered in short, light cinnamon-brown fur. This fur turns white on their belly, around their eyes, and on the front of their face. A clear white stripe runs from their shoulders to their hips. They do not have a soft underfur, and their skin is black. The hairs on their tail are white with three black stripes.
How Do Mountain Ground Squirrels Behave?
Mountain ground squirrels are active only during the day. Adult females might live alone or in small family groups. Males, however, usually live by themselves. Unlike the Cape Ground Squirrel, mountain ground squirrels are not known to play. They also don't groom each other or show other social behaviors.
They dig burrows in places where there isn't much plant cover. During the day, they might travel up to 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) away from their burrow. They do this to find food.
