298 Poliocitellus frankliniiHowever, other factors—such as the extermination of
ground squirrels to reduce both crop damage and waterfowl
depredation—have lowered population numbers; mowing
and herbicide use along railroad beds and other potential cor-
ridors have increased habitat loss and fragmentation. Poison-
ing of pocket gophers (Geomys bursarius) also causes signifi -
cant mortality for P. franklinii. Franklin’s rock squirrel is
classifi ed as Imperiled (S2) or Rare (S3) in 6 of the 14 states or
provinces where they were once found, although it may be
expanding its range northward in Minnesota. This species’
secretive behavior probably contributes to lower estimates of
its presence and abundance; track tubes may be useful in as-
sessing the presence of P. franklinii in many parts of its range.general references: Conover et al. 2005; Hare 2004;
Huebschman 2003; Jannett et al. 2007; Jardine et al. 2006;
Johnson and Choromanski-Norris 1992; T. L. Lewis and
Rongstad 1992; J. M. Martin and Heske 2005; J. M. Martin et
al. 2003; Ostroff and Finck 2003; Pergams et al. 2008; Wiewel
et al. 2007.Sciurotamias Miller, 1901
This genus contains only two species of rock squirrels.
Among the ground squirrels, Sciurotamias shows relatively
primitive dental morphology, similar to that of Ammosper-
mophilus, Callospermophilus, and Otospermophilus.Sciurotamias davidianus
(Milne-Edwards, 1867)
Père David’s Rock Squirrel
description: Père David’s rock squirrel is paler in color-
ation than its congener S. forresti, and it has no stripe along
its sides. Overall its pelage is olive gray with a yellowish
wash; it is darker above and light below. A dark line across
the face is also reported for some individuals.
size: Female—HB 204.0 mm; T 142.9 mm.
Male—HB 212.3 mm; T 140.7 mm.
Sex not stated—HB 261.8 mm; T 140.2 mm; Mass 260.0 g.distribution: This species is found in southern Gansu
east to Ningxia, Hebei, southern Liaoning, and Shandong,
and south to southwestern Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Hu-
bei, and Anhui (China). Père David’s rock squirrel was origi-
nally believed to be introduced to Belgium; however, recent
genetic analyses demonstrate that the introduced animals
instead were Callosciurus erythraeus.Sciurotamias davidianus. Photo courtesy James Eaton / Bird-
tour Asia.