342 Tamias sp e ciosusdistribution: This species is found in California and ex-
treme westcentral Nevada (USA), occurring in the Sierra
Nevada from Mount Lassen to the San Bernardino Moun-
tains and in neighboring mountains in southcentral
California.
geographic variation: Four subspecies are recognized.
T. s. speciosus—southern third and terminus of the species’
range. This form is isolated on several mountains south
of the Sierra Nevada in southcentral California (USA).
T. s. callipeplus—restricted to Mount Pinos, California (USA)
and isolated from the remainder of the species’ range.
The darker band on the underside of the tail is shorter
than that of the other subspecies.
T. s. frater—northern half of the species’ range, in the north-
ern Sierra Nevada (USA). It is distinguished from the
other subspecies by its broader skull, more reddish sides,
and narrower lateral stripes.
T. s. sequoiensis—middle of the species’ range, in the south-
ern Sierra Nevada (USA). The underside of its tail is
lighter than that of the other subspecies.
conservation: IUCN status—least concern. Population
trend—stable.
habitat: The lodgepole chipmunk is found primarily in
the Hudsonian, Canadian, and transition life zones, at eleva-
tions of 1500–3300 m. It is typically associated with mixed
forests, but across its range this can include a number of for-
est types. Tree species found in habitats occupied by T. spe-
ciosus include lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), Jeff rey pine (P.
jeff reyi), sugar pine (P. labertiana), red fi r (Abies magnifi ca),
white fi r (A. concolor), incense cedar (Libocedrus decurrens),
chinquapin (Castanopsis sempervirens), and oak (e.g., Quercus
kelloggii). Although prescribed burning for forest manage-
ment can signifi cantly alter this species’ habitat, it does not
appear to infl uence the density of. T. speciosus.natural history: Largely granivorous (but opportunistic),
the lodgepole chipmunk feeds on a variety of seeds, nuts, and
fruits of trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses; it also consumes
animal material, such as bird eggs and insects (especially cat-
erpillars). Hypogeous (underground) fungi appear to be eaten
by T. speciosus, but not in large quantities. This chipmunk is
known to scatter-hoard, and it appears to play a role in seed
dispersal. Following the wind dispersal of seeds of Jeff rey
pine (Pinus jeff reyi), T. speciosus regularly scatter-hoards them
to sites that are better for germination and establishment
than those achieved only through passive wind dispersal.
The recovery of scatter-hoarded seeds appears to be largely
by olfaction and is enhanced by soil moisture. T. speciosus is
diurnal and most active in the middle of the day. It hibernates,
but it is periodically active throughout the year, frequently
emerging on warm winter days. The onset of hibernation
varies and usually doesn’t begin until heavy snows occur.
The lodgepole chipmunk emerges from hibernation in March
or early April. Breeding occurs one month after emergence
and is later at higher elevations; the young are born in early
summer. Litter sizes average four (range = 3–6); only one litter
per year is produced.
Vocalizations are used for courtship and when disturbed.
Details of vocalizations, including evidence for geographic
variation in call arrangements, are reported in the litera-
ture. T. speciosus is more a rborea l t ha n most of its congeners,
and it often climbs trees when disturbed or threatened.
Population densities are usually at or below one animal/ha
in the spring, but these then increase, sometimes substan-Tamias speciosus. Photo courtesy Nichole Cudworth.