ComingsBirds.com/KenyaTanzaniaML

To the Beauty of Birds

The Ground Squirrels are members of the squirrel family of rodents (the Sciuridae) which generally live on or in the ground, rather than trees. The term is most often used for the medium-sized ground squirrels, as the larger ones are more commonly known as marmots (genus Marmota) or prairie dogs, while the smaller and less bushy-tailed ground squirrels tend to be known as chipmunks. They are highly variable in size and habitus. They also tend to be far more gregarious than other squirrels, and many live in colonies with complex social structures. Most Marmotini are rather short-tailed and large squirrels, and the Alpine marmot (Marmota marmota) is the largest living member of the Sciuridae, at 53–73 cm in length and weighing 5–8 kg.

The ground squirrel is especially renowned for its tendency to rise up on its hind legs. It does this whenever it senses nearby danger, or when it must see over tall grasses. The squirrel then curls its paws flat against its chest and sends a screeching call to warn other family members about the presence of predators.

The Unstriped Ground Squirrel (Xerus rutilus) is a species of rodent in the Sciuridae family. It is found in Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its natural habitats are dry savanna and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.

These photos were taken at the Samboro Nature Preserve, Kenya. As its name indicates this squirrel has not stripes on its back.

Unstriped Ground Squirrel

Squirrel Unstriped Ground 5268

Squirrel Unstriped Ground 5265