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Scientific Name: Xerus inauris
Common Name: South African Ground Squirrel or Cape Ground Squirrel,
(Afrikaans) Grond meerkat.
Description:
Small light brown / tan coloured ground dwelling rodent, the size of an normal
squirrel. It has white under-belly and stripes along its sides. Has a bushy
tail, which the ground squirrel use as a umbrella against the sun.
Difference in Sex:
Male and female the same size. Males has prominent large testes.
Average Weight of Adult male:
Habitat: S Angola, Namibia, Botswana, W Zimbabwe, South Africa
(Prefer semi-arid regions). Dig a network of tunnels with various entrances for
escaping.
Habits:
Main feeding time:
During day-light hours
Size:
Gestation:
Number of young at birth:
Communication:
Age:
Diet:
Seeds, plants, berries, insects and will even kill small snakes for food.
Enemies:
Jackals, African Wild Cat, large birds of prey, Caracal.
Interesting facts:
Will sun itself in the mornings, and use its tail to shade against the sun.
Credits:
Christian Fourie (photograph + info) |