Barbary Ground Squirrel
Atlantoxerus getulus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Rodentia · Sciuridae
About
The Barbary ground squirrel is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae. It is monotypic within the genus Atlantoxerus. It is endemic to the Atlas mountains in Morocco and some parts in Algeria, and has been introduced into the Canary Islands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, temperate grassland and rocky areas where it lives colonially in burrows. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his landmark 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae.
Fun Fact
It weighs up to 350 grams (12 oz) and has short wiry hair.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Habitat is arid rocky ground and it is found in mountainous regions up to an altitude of about 4,000 metres (13,000 ft).
Diet
Feeds on plant material and a major part of its diet is the fruit and seeds of the argan tree (Argania spinosa).
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance