Tamias panamintinus 331fallen timber, and it is reported to occur in several forest
communities: bristlecone pine (Pinus aristata); singleleaf
pinyon pine–Utah juniper (Pinus monophylla, Juniperus osteo-
sperma); white fi r–ponderosa pine (Abies concolor, Pinus pon-
derosa); and mountain mahogany–manzanita (Cercocarpus
ledifolius, Arctostaphylos pungens).
natural history: Palmer’s chipmunk is especially gra-
nivorous and feeds heavily on conifer seeds and fruits; but,
like other congeners, it is opportunistic and includes fungi,
as well as arthropods and other animal material, in its diet.
Bark, lichens, vegetation, and fl owers are also reported from
this species’ stomach contents. Signifi cant diff erences in ac-
tivity and aggression have been observed, with males show-
ing more aggression at certain times of the year. This spe-
cies’ vocalizations are described as “chips,” “chippering,”
“chucks,” and growls, with the fi rst being the most com-
mon. “Chip” calls vary from 5–17 calls/5 seconds. Females
call at a higher maximum frequency than males. Reproduc-
tion is thought to occur in April and May, and parturition in
late May and June, although young animals have been ob-
served throughout the summer. Gestation is estimated at
more than 33 days. Litter sizes average approximately four
young, but as many as seven embryos have been reported.
Detailed studies of this species’ reproduction, growth, and
development are found in the literature. T. palmeri is sym-
patric with T. panamintinus, although the latter generally oc-
curs at lower elevations. No predators are reported. Para-
sites include one acanthocephalan (Moniliformis moniliformis),
three nematodes (Heteroxynema cucullatum, Pterygodermatites
coloradensis, and Syphacia eutamii), and one fl ea (Monopsyllus
eumolpi).
general references: Best, Clawson, et al. 1994a; R. M.
Davis et al. 2008; Gannon and Stanley 1991; Lowrey et al.
2008.
Tamias panamintinus Merriam, 1893
Panamint Chipmunk
description: The Panamint chipmunk is similar in size to
T. amoenus, but with smaller feet and ears, a paler pelage,
lighter dorsal stripes, and a broader skull. T. panamintinus is
more reddish in color than T. minimus. The baculum is dis-
tinct from but most similar to that of T. speciosus.
size: Female—HB 119.6 mm; T 87.1 mm; Mass 54.1 g.
Male—HB 117.1 mm; T 89.1 mm.
Sex not stated—HB 107.2 mm; T 91.7 mm; Mass 53.2 g.
distribution: This species is found in the mountains of
southeastern California and southwestern Nevada (USA).conservation: IUCN status—least concern. Population
trend—stable.geographic variation: Two subspecies are recognized.T. p. panamintinus—the entire species’ range, except the
Kingston Mountains of northeastern San Bernardino
County, California (USA). See description above.
T. p. acrus—isolated by desert to 100 km^2 of the Kingston
Mountains, California (USA). This form is smaller and
darker.habitat: This species occurs in the upper Sonoran and
transition zones (1230–3180 m) of the Great Basin and is of-
ten sympatric or parapatric with T. amoenus, T. merriami, T.
minimus, T. palmeri, T. speciosus, and T. umbrinus. The Pana-
mint chipmunk is found primarily in pinyon-juniper (Pinus,
Juniperus) forests, but it also occurs at higher elevations in
stands of limber pine (P. fl exilis) and bristlecone pine (P. aris-
tata). Although the animals climb and occasionally nest in
trees, they reside primarily in rocky cliff s and ledges and
seek rocky crevices for refuge.natural history: The Panamint chipmunk feeds heavily
on the seeds of juniper (Juniperus) and pinyon pine (Pinus),
but is also opportunistic (like other members of the genus),
feeding on vegetation, fl owers, and arthropods when seeds