Arctic Ground Squirrel
| Arctic Ground Squirrel | ||||||||||||||||
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 Least Concern | ||||||||||||||||
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| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||||
| Spermophilus parryii Richardson, 1825 | ||||||||||||||||
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S. parryii ablusus |
The Arctic Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus parryii) (sicsic, the Inuit term) is a species of ground squirrel native to the Arctic.
Background
The diurnal Arctic Ground Squirrel lives in colonies and is the only Arctic animal that hibernates. In the spring and summer they forage for tundra plants, seeds and fruit to increase body fat for their winter hibernation. By late summer they begin to store food in their burrows so that in the spring they will have edible food until the new vegetation has grown.
The burrows are lined with lichens, leaves and musk ox hair. During hibernation their body temperature can drop to just above freezing and their heartbeat drops. They are prey to Arctic foxes, grizzly bears and eagles.
Geographic range
The Arctic Ground Squirrel can be found in regions of Northern Canada ranging from the Arctic Circle down to the southern border of the Northwest Territories, as well as Alaska and Siberia.
Habitat
The Arctic ground squirrel inhabits dry Arctic tundra and open meadows in the most southern habitats of this species.
Physical description
The Arctic ground squirrel has a beige and tan coat with a white-spotted back. This squirrel has a short face, small ears, a dark tail and white markings around its eyes. The average length of an Arctic gound squirrel is approximately 39cm, and the average mass 750g (26.4 oz), however, males generally are around 100g heavier than females.
Reproduction
Spermophilus parryii live in colonies dominated by one male. Mating occurs in mid May after winter hibernation. Gestation is approximately 25 days, and results in a litter of 5 to 10, 10g hairless pups. After 6 weeks the pups are weaned and this is followed by rapid growth to prepare for the upcoming winter.
Behaviour
Arctic ground squirrels hibernate over winter from early September to late April, at which time they can reduce their body temperatures from 37 degrees Celsius to as little as -3 degrees Celsius. In the warmer months the squirrel is active during the day time.
Communication between squirrels is done through both vocal and physical means.
Food habits
This squirrel feeds on grasses, sedges, mushrooms, bog rushes, bilberries, willows, roots, stalks, leaves, flowers, and seeds, but can adapt to other foods when necessary. Sometimes this squirrel carries food back to its den within its cheeks.
References
- Cook (2000). Spermophilus parryii. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006.
- Brensike, J. 2000. "Spermophilus parryii" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 10, 2007.
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Source: adapted by the editor from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; from the article "Arctic Ground Squirrel". Image Credit.
