320 Tamias canipesconservation: IUCN status—least concern. Population
trend—stable.
habitat: This is a woodland species that appears to prefer
forest edges with a high percentage of downed woody de-
bris. T. canipes occurs in both the transition and Canadian
life zones, at elevations between 1600 and 3600 m, where it
is found in a variety of forest types (even including scrub
forests) and in lava fl ows and rocky outcrops. However, this
species is most common and abundant in stands of Douglas
fi r (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponder-
osa). The gray-footed chipmunk is reported to be signifi -
cantly more abundant in commercially thinned stands than
in more mature unthinned stands. T. canipes feeds on the
seeds of conifers; various fruits, including those of juniper
(Juniperus); and the acorns of oak (Quercus), which are re-
ported to be the mainstay of their diet from late summer
through winter.
natural history: T. canipes nests in fallen logs, stumps,
and underground dens, but it is also a skillful climber, even
ascending scrub oaks to harvest acorns. Diurnal activity
peaks occur in the early morning, when this species is feed-
ing. Their alarm calls, produced frequently in response to
disturbances and potential predators, are characterized as
high-pitched trills, similar to those reported for T. cinereicol-
lis and T. quadrivittatus. Such vocalizations are usually fol-
lowed by a rapid retreat. The young are born between late
May and June and mature to adult size by early autumn.
Only one litter is produced per year, and little information is available on litter size. T. canipes is reported to hibernate
by October, though there is limited fat deposition prior to
hibernation. The animals remain in the nest through the
winter, where they are assumed to depend on food stores.
No specifi c reports of predation are available, and T. canipes
is not sympatric with any other conspecifi cs. Two species of
Eimeria (E. cochisensis and E. dorsalis) are the only parasites
reported from T. canipes.
general references: Best, Bartig, et al. 1992; Cameron
and Scheel 2001; A. W. Linzey, Clausen, et al. 2008; Piaggio
and Spicer 2001; Wampler et al. 2008.Tamias cinereicollis (J. A. Allen, 1890)
Gray-Collared Chipmunkdescription: Gray-collared chipmunks have fi ve brown to
black stripes running along their dorsum. Two prominent
white stripes on each side of the face are off set by brown.
The venter is white to buff. The sides below the stripes areTamias canipes. Photo courtesy Bob Barber.