Squirrels of the World

Spermophilus suslicus 311

distribution: This species is found in the Tien Shan
Mountains in eastern Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and south-
eastern Kazakhstan.

geographic variation: None.

conservation: IUCN status—least concern. Population
trend—no information.

habitat: Relict ground squirrels are found in mountain
steppes, piedmont steppes, and meadows of mixed grasses
with good drainage.

natural history: This species is diurnal. Relict ground
squirrels hibernate within burrows from late summer

(August–September) until late winter or spring (February–

early May). A litter of three to six is born in the burrow,

with the number of young greater at lower elevations. S.

relictus forages on roots, bulbs, grasses, forbs, and fl owers;

insects can also be consumed in substantial numbers when

available. Their burrow structure is relatively simple, most

often a single tunnel with a nest chamber. Burrow open-

ings are clustered together, with a hibernation chamber

1–2 m belowground; summer burrows, used primarily for

escape, are shallower (< 1.0 m). S. relictus is relatively shy

and quickly seeks the cover of burrows after detecting a

potential threat; these squirrels can also climb trees. Their

call is a quiet low “squeak.” Relict ground squirrels are har-

vested for food and pelts.

general references: R. G. Harrison et al. 2003; Ognev

1963; Tsvirka, Spiridonova, et al. 2008; Volzheninov et al.

1986.

Spermophilus suslicus

(Güldenstaedt, 1770)

Speckled Ground Squirrel, Suslik

description: Speckled ground squirrels have rich auburn

chestnut brown to light grayish brown coats, often suff used

with ginger. The coats have small light spots that range from

white to buff ; often these spots are very pronounced, but

Spermophilus relictus. Photo courtesy Cyril Ruoso.