Ground Squirrel

Afrikaans name: Waaierstertgrondeekhoring

Ground Squirrels have a white stripe on their sides

Photo © Steven Herbert

Xerus inauris

Interesting facts about Ground Squirrels

The Ground Squirrel, also known as the Cape or South African Ground Squirrel, is found in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.

Males are slightly bigger than females but the difference is not obvious. Interestingly they have a black skin. They weigh around 500 grams.

Ground Squirrels live in dry open habitats where they make their burrows. They are sociable creatures but they don't live in very large groups. The larger groups are typically all males. 2 to 3 females may form a group with their immature offspring.

They eat a variety of things including insects, bulbs and grass.

References and further reading

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 198

Wild Ways - 2nd Edition - Author: Peter Apps - Published: 2000 - Page: 53

Tracks and Tracking in Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Published: 2000 - Page: 41

The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa - Author: P. Briggs - Published: 2020 - Page: 344

The Mammal Guide of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 2011 - Page: 192

The Living Deserts of Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Darry Lovegrove - Published: 2021 - Page: 85

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 89

Signs of the Wild - 5th Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1996 - Page: 38

Signs of the Wild - 3rd Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1986 - Page: 32

Questions and Answers - Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Published: 1990 - Page: 27

Questions and Answers - Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Published: 1990 - Page: 16

Questions and Answers - Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Published: 1990 - Page: 21

Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Published: 1980 - Page: 156

Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 1987 - Page: 161

Maberlys Mammals of Southern Africa - Revised edition - Author: Richard Goss - Published: 1986 - Page: 46

Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Published: 1986 - Page: 63

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 420

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 110

Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2001 - Page: 86

Guide to the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park - Author: Gus Mills and Clem Haagner - Published: 1996 - Page: 74

Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1997 - Page: 298

Chris and Tilde Stuarts Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 1st Edit - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1988 - Page: 86

African Wildlife - A photographic safari - Author: Nigel and Wendy Dennis - Published: 1999 - Page: 112

A Field Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Southern and East African Wildlife - 3rd - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2000 - Page: 52

A Field Guide to the Mammals of Africa including Madagascar - Author: Theodor Haltenorth and Helmut Diller - Published: 1980 - Page: 144

Wikipedia

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List of South African Mammals