366 Urocitellus washingtonito agriculture and urban development, in addition to the re-
sultant habitat fragmentation. Historically, recreational
shooting and poisoning (to reduce confl ict in agricultural
lands) occurred. Long delays in decisions regarding legal
protection have also been a major conservation issue. Wash-
ington ground squirrels are herbivores and feed heavily on
succulent grasses and herbs (including cultivated plants);
their diet also includes roots, bulbs, seeds, insects, and
other animal matter. These ground squirrels are not hunted
or trapped; however, they have been considered a pest in
agricultural lands.general references: Betts 1990, 1999; Greene et al. 2009;
Rickart and Yensen 1991.Urocitellus washingtoni. Photo courtesy Jodie Delavan.
Xerospermophilus Merriam, 1892
This genus contains four species.
Xerospermophilus mohavensis (Merriam,
Mohave Ground Squirrel
description: Mohave ground squirrels are a nearly uniform
light brown to pale drab on the dorsum, with a conspicuous
absence of stripes or spots. There is often a suff usion of cin-
namon about the head. The feet are pale buff to cinnamon.
The venter is white to cream. The tail is short but broad, with
a fuscous dorsal surface and a white to cream underside; the
entire tail is frosted with white to cream.
size: Both sexes—HB 223 mm (210–230 mm); T 66 mm (57–
72 mm); Mass 70–300 g.
distribution: This squirrel is found in the northwestern
Mohave Desert and the Owens Valley of southern Califor-
nia (USA).