Round-tailed Ground Squirrel
ExploreMammals
Round-tailed Ground Squirrel
Xerospermophilus tereticaudus
The Round-tailed Ground Squirrel is a small, playful animal that loves to dig and explore. They have round tails and are often seen scurrying around in the grass, looking for seeds and insects to eat.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Round-tailed Ground Squirrel is a small, slender rodent with a sandy-brown coat, often appearing grayish. Its most distinctive feature is its short, round, and sparsely furred tail, which looks more like a rat's tail than a typical bushy squirrel tail. They have small ears and pale underparts.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilySciuridaeGenusXerospermophilus
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Some can survive without drinking water, getting all moisture from the plants and seeds they eat!
Their tiny ears are perfectly adapted to keep sand out in windy desert environments!
They 'estivate' during super hot summers, which is like hibernation but to escape heat, not cold!
When babies are born, they are blind and hairless, completely relying on their mom!
Special abilities
Ability
Burrow Architect
Round-tailed Ground Squirrels can dig extensive underground tunnels for shelter because it helps them escape predators and the desert heat.
Ability
Heat Resilience
Round-tailed Ground Squirrels have a high tolerance for scorching desert temperatures that helps them thrive in extreme arid environments.
Ability
Sentry Watch
Round-tailed Ground Squirrels can make high-pitched alarm calls that helps them warn other squirrels about approaching dangers.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 17-23 cm
- Weight
- 0.1-0.17 kg
- Lifespan
- 2-6 years
- Top Speed
- 25 km/h
- Litter Size
- 4-12
- Gestation
- 28-35 days
Diet & Feeding
These little foragers nibble on yummy seeds, green plants, and tiny insects!
Primary Foods
- Seeds
- Grass
- Insects
- Leaves
- Fruits
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch from a distance and don't try to touch wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Round-tailed Ground Squirrel?
17-23 cm
How much does Round-tailed Ground Squirrel weigh?
0.1-0.17 kg
How long does Round-tailed Ground Squirrel live?
2-6 years
How fast can Round-tailed Ground Squirrel move?
25 km/h
What does Round-tailed Ground Squirrel eat?
These little foragers nibble on yummy seeds, green plants, and tiny insects!
Where is Round-tailed Ground Squirrel usually found?
Grasslands
How does Round-tailed Ground Squirrel hunt?
Foraging
How many babies does Round-tailed Ground Squirrel usually have?
4-12
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