Long-tailed Ground Squirrel

About this species

Diet

Seeds and green plant material; some animal food

Habitat

Steppe, meadow and open mountain slopes

The long-tailed ground squirrel is a medium-sized terrestrial squirrel with a tail much longer and bushier than those of most Spermophilus ground squirrels. Its upperparts are mottled grey-brown or ochre with pale flecking, the belly is lighter, and the tail is often edged or tipped paler. Small rounded ears and strong claws suit a burrowing life. The long tail is the clearest first distinction from Mongolia's several short-tailed ground squirrels. (Wikipedia, long-tailed ground squirrel account)

The species ranges across Central and northern Asia and uses steppe, meadow, river terraces and open mountain slopes. It is active by day, lives in burrows and feeds on seeds, shoots and other plant material, with animal food taken opportunistically. Individuals hibernate through the severe winter and emerge to breed and rebuild body reserves. Alarm calls warn neighbours of danger. The opened account includes Mongolia within the range but does not identify a reliable Mongolian viewing locality or country-specific seasonal dates. (Wikipedia, long-tailed ground squirrel account)

Description: Wildlife of Mongolia guide, Wildlife of Everywhere (wildlifeofeverywhere.com); general species information paraphrased from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)