Xerus inauris

(Zimmermann, 1780)

Vernacular names
English : Cape ground squirrel
French : Xérus du Cap

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Rodentia
Family : Sciuridae
Notes : No subspecies known. Sometimes placed in genus Geosciurus.

Identification
Adults can reach a length of 47 cm for a weight of up to 650 g, females shorter and lighter than males. Fur is short and coarse. Coloration is brown to reddish brown with a white band on flanks. White belly and breast. Bushy tail.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in southern Africa, from Namibia and Botswana to South Africa, except from coastal regions. Lives in arid and semi-arid grasslands, scrublands and agricultural areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is very common throughout its range and sometimes considered as a pest as it can inflict damage to crops.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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