European ground squirrel
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 European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus)
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| Spermophilus citellus (L., 1766) |
The European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus), also known as the European Souslik, is a species from the squirrel family Sciuridae and the only European representative of the genus Spermophilus. Like all squirrels, it is a member of the rodent order.
[edit] Description
The European ground squirrel grows to a length of approximately 20 cm and a weight of between 200 and 400 g. It is a diurnal animal, living in colonies of individual burrows in pastures or grassy embankments. The squirrels emerge during the day to feed upon seeds, plant shoots and roots or flightless invertebrates. The colonies maintain sentinels who whistle at the sight of a predator, bringing the pack scurrying back to safety.
The European ground squirrel hibernates between autumn and March, depending on the climate. In preparation they will build up reserves of brown fat during the late summer.
In early summer, between 5 and 8 cubs are born in one litter.
[edit] Distribution
It is to be found throughout eastern Europe from southern Ukraine, to Asia Minor, the Czech Republic and north as far as Poland.
[edit] References
- Amori (1996). Spermophilus citellus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Listed as Vulnerable (VU A1c v2.3)
