Mohave Ground Squirrel Facts

The Mohave ground squirrel (Spermophilus mohavensis) is one of the more elusive animals of the California desert. Their highly developed desert survival skills allow them to avoid the extremes of the hostile climate. They are very hard to find and even more difficult to observe and study. Mohave ground squirrels are small brown squirrels with white bellies and thin tails.

Diet

Mohave ground squirrels eat a variety of foods, but feed primarily on the leaves and seeds of forbs and shrubs.

Population

Determining population size of the Mohave ground squirrel is difficult due to its elusive nature. The species is inactive throughout much of the year, and abundance as well as the period of surface activity varies from year to year.

Range

The Mohave ground squirrel occupies portions of Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties in the Western Mojave Desert. The species ranges from near Palmdale on the southwest to Lucerne Valley on the southeast, Olancha on the northwest and the Avawatz Mountains on the northeast. See a Mohave ground squirrel range map >>

Behavior

The Mohave ground squirrel occupies all major desert scrub habitats in the Western Mojave Desert. The mainly solitary Mohave ground s quirrel hibernates from August to March, when food is scarce. It carries its tail over its back when running; the white underside helps reflect the sun's rays.

It seems that that the Mohave ground squirrel controls its population and food sources by refusing to mate when there is significantly low rainfall. They will often hibernate early, sometimes as early as April, and wait until the next year to try again. This leads to near extinction in the areas with little or no rain, but the population seems to increase steadily after the rains return. Breeding occurs soon after they emerge from hibernation.

Reproduction
Mating Season: Spring.
Gestation: Less than a month.
Litter size 6-9 young.
The young are usually weaned after only about a month and will leave the nest. Often, the young ground squirrels will settle close to their mother’s burrow, but sometimes a young male will travel far, often up to four miles, to establish his own territory.

Climate Change and Other Threats

The Mohave ground squirrel is threatened by loss of habitat and degradation of habitat due to urban, suburban and rural development, agriculture, military activities, energy development livestock grazing and off-highway vehicle use. In spite of its protected status, very little is known of its habitat extent and needs. In many areas within its historic range, there are no recent records. Unfortunately this lack of information is a detriment to the development of a conservation strategy for the species.

As climate change makes the Mohave even hotter and drier, the prospects for the ground squirrel are uncertain. The Joshua tree, whose seeds form an important part of the squirrels’ diet, may shift its range in response to climate change. Also, as mentioned above, drought causes the squirrels to forego breeding; thus an extended drought that lasts several years or more could be the death knell for the species.

Defenders at Work

Our report, "Economic Oasis: Revealing the True Value of the Mojave Desert," is full of photos and facts to help you understand the economic values of the ecologically and culturally rich California desert lands - the home of the Mohave ground squirrel.

Learn more about Defenders' work on behalf of the Mohave ground squirrel >>

Reasons For Hope

In April 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that they would review the Mohave Ground Squirrel and possibly increase its protections under the Endangered Species Act. Read Defenders of Wildlife's comments on this announcement >>

Legal Status/Protection

• Endangered Species Act (ESA): Mohave ground squirrels are listed as under review.
• IUCN Red List: The Mohave ground squirrel is listed as vulnerable.
• The Mohave ground squirrel has long been listed as threatened under the California state Endangered Species Act.
• Learn more about legal status and protection of Mohave ground squirrels >>

How You Can Help

• Help Mohave ground squirrels and other wildlife by adopting an animal at our Wildlife Adoption Center.
• Take Action for Wildlife at our Wildlife Action Center.