Ammospermophilus nelsoni (Merriam, 1893)

Nelson's antelope-squirrel

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN) external link Showing: scientific names

Media Center Navigation

Classification:

Table of Contents

General Description

Description

Source and Additional Information
Supplier
Smithsonian's North American Mammals external link
Copyright
© Smithsonian Institution.
Some rights reserved external link
Project
Smithsonian Institution - North American Mammals external link
Source URL
View original data object external link
Indexed
April 08, 2010

Open, rolling land and gentle slopes with shrubs are the habitat of Nelson's Antelope Squirrel, which lives only in a small region of California in and near the San Joaquin Valley. The squirrels live in relatively small colonies of six to eight individuals. They seldom excavate their own burrows, preferring to use those dug by kangaroo rats. Nelson's Antelope Squirrels are omnivorous, consuming both plants and animals, with insects comprising 90 percent of their food during late spring, summer, and fall.

Links:
Mammal Species of the World
Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account
References
  • Merriam, C.H., 1893.  Descriptions of eight new ground squirrels of the genera Spermophilus and Tamias from California, Texas, and Mexico, p. 129.  Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, 8:129-138.
"Ammospermophilus nelsoni (Merriam, 1893)". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/326400". Accessed 09 Sep 2010.