Mohave Ground Squirrel
Spermophilus Mohavensis
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The Mohave ground squirrel 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.
Height 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 inches
Length 8 5/8 - 9 inches
Weight 3 - 4 5/8
ounces
Lifespan 5 or more years in the wild
Diet
A variety of foods, but 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.
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.
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.
Legal Status/Protection
The Mohave ground squirrel has long been listed as
Threatened under the California state Endangered Species Act.
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.
For additional information
Visit Defenders' Imperiled Species: Mohave Ground Squirrel pages for more information about what Defenders is doing to help.
