Unstriped ground squirrel facts for kids
The unstriped ground squirrel (Xerus rutilus) is a type of rodent, which is a group of mammals that includes mice, rats, and squirrels. This squirrel belongs to the Sciuridae family, which is the squirrel family. It is the only species in its group, called the genus Xerus. You can find these squirrels in countries like Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. They like to live in dry savanna areas and places with dry shrubland.
Quick facts for kids Unstriped ground squirrel |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Xerus
|
| Species: |
rutilus
|
Contents
What Does the Unstriped Ground Squirrel Look Like?
The unstriped ground squirrel has a brownish or tawny (light brown-orange) color. Its front side is usually lighter. As its name suggests, this squirrel is special because it doesn't have the white stripes running down its back that other African ground squirrels have. It has white hair around its eyes, and all its fur feels rough.
These squirrels have small heads. Their body and head together are about 22.5 centimeters (about 9 inches) long. Their tail is about 17 centimeters (about 7 inches) long and looks flat. Their weight can be different depending on where they live, but it's usually between 250 and 420 grams (about 0.5 to 0.9 pounds). Their back feet are about 3.5 to 4.9 centimeters long.
The unstriped ground squirrel is related to other ground squirrels. Its whiskers (called Vibrissae) and brain size are smaller than squirrels that live in trees. However, they are similar to other squirrels that live on the ground. Male and female unstriped ground squirrels look very much alike. There are no big differences in their size or appearance.
Local Names for the Squirrel
People in different places have their own names for this squirrel:
- In Tigrinya language: ምጹጽላይ or ጨጨራ (mitsutsilay, chechera).
- In Turkana: [ekuɲuk].
- In Daasanach: [ɲékuɲug].
Where Do Unstriped Ground Squirrels Live?
Habitat and Range
The unstriped ground squirrel is native to (meaning it naturally lives in) Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Uganda. It probably still lives in Somalia. These squirrels prefer dry areas like savannas and dry shrublands.
They often live in the same areas as their close relatives, the striped ground squirrels (X. erythropus), in northeastern Africa. Unstriped ground squirrels dig and live in burrows, which are underground tunnels, usually in dry places.
What Do Unstriped Ground Squirrels Eat?
Unstriped ground squirrels are active during the day (this is called diurnality). They eat a variety of foods, meaning they are omnivorous. Their diet includes leaves, fruits from trees (like the baobab tree), seeds from trees like Commiphora and Acacia, other plant parts, and insects.
Studies have shown that these squirrels can eat plants that contain chemicals like tannins and oxalic acid, which can be poisonous to other animals. They are very good at finding food, which is called foraging. They can find food well even in places where there isn't much food available.
How Do Unstriped Ground Squirrels Behave?
Living in Burrows
Unstriped ground squirrels are mostly solitary animals. This means they prefer to live alone. They live in burrow systems, usually with just one or two adults. Their home areas might overlap with other squirrels. If they feel in danger, an unstriped ground squirrel might quickly run into another squirrel's burrow for safety.
They even let other squirrels, including those of different species like the striped ground squirrel (X. erythropus), enter their burrows. They spend most of their time awake outside their burrows. However, they use their burrows for sleeping and for shelter from bad weather. They move around a lot during the day but also spend time resting.
Who's the Boss? Dominance Among Squirrels
Even though these squirrels don't protect a specific area (they are not territorial), there is a pecking order, or dominance hierarchy. Male squirrels are usually more dominant than females and younger squirrels. Unstriped ground squirrels show who is dominant by making sounds (this is called vocalization), by displaying their tails, and by making quick lunges towards others.
How Do Unstriped Ground Squirrels Stay Cool?
Keeping Their Body Temperature Right
Unstriped ground squirrels usually live in very hot and dry places (called arid conditions). They have special ways of behaving to keep their body temperature just right. This is called behavioral thermoregulation. After they have been looking for food in hot areas, they will go to the shade. They lie down on the cool, shaded ground to cool off their bodies.
