Otospermophilus douglasii (Richardson, 1829), the Douglas ground squirrel, was first described as a species and then relegated to a subspecies of the California ground squirrel, O. beecheyi (Richardson, 1829). However, genetic data recently were interpreted as indicative of returning O. douglasii back to valid species status. This semi-fossorial, social species is brown with small white spots, a dark dorsal patch, and silvery shoulders. Occupying diverse habitats and elevations, this native species is an important prey species and is most abundant in grasslands and open woodlands. It forages primarily on seeds and vegetation but is also in conflict with humans as a crop pest and disease vector that damages infrastructure through creating elaborate burrow systems. Currently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has not provided a conservation assessment for O. douglasii.
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4 November 2023
Otospermophilus douglasii (Rodentia: Sciuridae)
Douglas J. Long,
Jennifer E. Smith
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Mammalian Species
Vol. 55 • No. 1034
November 2023
Vol. 55 • No. 1034
November 2023
California
Douglas ground squirrel
ground squirrel
rodent
sciurid