Ammospermophilus interpres (Merriam, 1890)
|
publication ID |
https://doi.org/ 10.5281/zenodo.6840226 |
|
DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6818964 |
|
persistent identifier |
https://treatment.plazi.org/id/064D0660-FF95-ED68-FA6A-F937F69FFBF3 |
|
treatment provided by |
Diego |
|
scientific name |
Ammospermophilus interpres |
| status |
|
Texas Antelope Squirrel
Ammospermophilus interpres View in CoL
French: Spermophile du Texas / German: Texas-Antilopenziesel / Spanish: Ardilla antilope de Texas
Taxonomy. Tamias interpres Merriam, 1890 ,
“El Paso, [El Paso Co.], Texas [USA].” This species is monotypic.
Distribution. From New Mexico and W Texas (USA) to E Chihuahua, Coahuila, NE Durango, and extreme N Zacatecas (Mexico).
Descriptive notes. Head-body 220-235 mm, tail 68-84 mm; weight 99-122 g. The Texas Antelope Squirrel is a small squirrel with a gray dorsum and head; a clear but faint single white stripe runs length of each side; head and legs washed with brown. A white to buff eye ring is evident. Venteris white. Tail is grizzled, grading to slate with a white underside and two black bands. Chromosome number of the Texas Antelope Squirrelis 2n = 38.
Habitat. Rocky desert, grasslands, and scrublands around mountain ranges in proximity to juniper (Juniperus, Cupressaceae) and large shrubs.
Food and Feeding. The Texas Antelope Squirrel feeds heavily on seeds, fruit, and cactus, but will also take live insects or scavenge dead animals.
Breeding. The Texas Antelope Squirrel inhabits burrows with a vegetation-lined nest chamber in which young are born. Breeding occurs in February and litters of 5-14 young emerge in April. Two litters may be produced in mild climates.
Activity patterns. A diurnal squirrel that accumulates fat in autumn and may hibernate during periods of extreme winter cold. Extremely energetic and often seen darting quickly about with tail held overhead or sitting alert atop a bush, rock or cactus. The Texas Antelope Squirrel can be a nuisance near gardens but is not generally considered to be a pest.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. The Texas Antelope Squirrel lives in shallow burrows near structures such as rocks, bushes or trees that lack a mound and are inconspicuous. Densities are low and adults are solitary. Alarm calls are a mellow rolling, but harsh trill that appears to carry well in the structurally complex habitats of the Texas Antelope Squirrel.
Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The [UCN Red List. Population trend is unknown but believed to be stable. Rangeland degradation and dense growth of non-native plants are major threats. Where considered a pest, the Texas Antelope Squirrel is targeted for removal by shooting, trapping, or poisoning.
Bibliography. Best, Lewis et al. (1990), Bolles (1988), Thorington et al. (2012).
No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.
