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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
Chris and Tilde Stuart's Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 86Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 63
Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillier - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 161
Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Year Published: 1980 - Page: 156
Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 110
Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 420
Signs of the Wild - Author: Clive Walker - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 32