Xerus (African Ground Squirrel)

Overview

The Cape ground squirrel, or xerus, is a burrowing rodent of southern Africa's arid plains, easily recognized by holding its bushy tail overhead like a built-in parasol.

Appearance

It has a sandy-brown body, a white stripe along each flank, and an unusually long, bushy tail.

Habitat & Distribution

The xerus (african ground squirrel) is found in desert, grassland habitats.

Diet & Behavior

Diet: Omnivore — Animals with flexible diets that eat both plants and animals, adapting to whatever food is available in their environment.

Xerus live in social burrow colonies, forage during the hottest part of the day, and shade themselves from the sun using their tail held over the back.

Interesting Facts

• 1

  It shades itself from the sun by holding its bushy tail over its back like a parasol.

• 2

  Xerus live in cooperative burrow colonies with shared lookout duty for predators.

• 3

  It's active in the hottest part of the day, unlike most desert mammals.

Gallery

Xerus (African Ground Squirrel) FAQs