300 Sciurotamias forrestivations of about 3000 m. Vegetation in its habitat is de-
scribed as scrubby.natural history: There is very little data available on the
behavior, ecology, and reproductive biology of S. forresti.
Morphological comparisons suggest that the two species of
Sciurotamias are related to chipmunks (Tamia s), and S. forresti
may have a natural history similar to that of chipmunks.
Forrest’s rock squirrel is reported to host one species of
sucking louse. Fossils of this species from the late Pleisto-
cene are reported from Huanglong Cave (Hubei Province).general references: Durden and Musser 1994b; Hayssen
2008c; A. T. Smith and Johnston 2008d; A. T. Smith and Xie
2008; R. W. Thorington, Miller, et al. 1998; Wu et al. 2006;
Xiang et al. 2004.Sciurotamias forresti. Photo courtesy John and Jemi Holmes.
Spermophilus F. Cuvier, 1825
This genus comprises 15 species, commonly known as
ground squirrels.
Spermophilus alashanicus Büchner, 1888
Alashan Ground Squirrel
description: The pelage of the Alashan ground squirrel is
reddish or pinkish brown in summer, and lighter and more
yellowish in winter. A white stripe runs from the ear to the
nose, forming a distinctive ring around the eye. The top of
the head is darker, and the ventral surface of the tail is red-
dish. The legs and the tail are relatively short. The auditory
bullae are long and narrow.
size: Male—HB 222.7 mm; T 68.3 mm.
Sex not stated—HB 199.4 mm; T 71.6 mm.
distribution: The Alashan ground squirrel is found in
southcentral Mongolia and northcentral China (Inner Mon-
golia, Qinghai, Ningxia, and Gansu).
geographic variation: None.