Geoffroy's (Striped) Ground Squirrel

The Striped Ground Squirrel, scientifically known as *Xerus erythropus*, is a captivating species native to Africa. Initially described by Geoffroy in 1803, it is frequently mentioned with the binomial authority of "Desmarest, 1817." This moderately large ground squirrel boasts sandy-brown or dark-brown fur, highlighted by a distinctive white stripe along its sides and whitish underparts. There are six recognized subspecies of this squirrel, which typically live solitarily or in pairs, foraging for seeds, nuts, and roots on the ground. They are known to stash extra food under stones for later use.

Measuring between 22 to 29 centimeters in length, with a tail almost as long as their body, these squirrels present a captivating sight. They inhabit regions across Africa, south of the Sahara and north of the tropical rainforest, thriving in open forests, savannahs, and even near cultivated lands.

As diurnal herbivores, Striped Ground Squirrels primarily feast on seeds, nuts, and roots but are versatile eaters, occasionally consuming crops, eggs, insects, and small animals. They mark their territories using scent glands and construct intricate burrows with a central nest. Typically, they live alone or in pairs and communicate through various sounds and sniffing behaviors. Their movements are distinctive, often characterized by a hopping gait and expressive tail actions.

Reproduction involves a courtship ritual, and females give birth to litters of two to six young. Thanks to their adaptability and the absence of significant threats, the Striped Ground Squirrel is classified as a species of "least concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), signifying a stable and widespread population.