Southern Idaho ground squirrel

{{Short description|Species of rodent}}

{{Speciesbox

| image = Southern Idaho ground squirrel (Spermophilus brunneus endemicus), candidate.jpg

| status = VU

| status_system = IUCN3.1

| status_ref = {{cite iucn |author=Yensen, E. |date=2018 |title=Urocitellus endemicus |volume=2018 |page=e.T20498A117636227 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T20498A117636227.en |access-date=13 November 2021}}

| genus = Urocitellus

| species = endemicus

| authority = (Yensen, 1991)

}}

The southern Idaho ground squirrel (Urocitellus endemicus) is a species of the largest genus of ground squirrels. This species and the Northern Idaho ground squirrel were previously considered conspecific, together called the Idaho ground squirrel.

Description

The species has sexual dimorphism, with males being normally larger than females. Their weight ranges from {{convert|120|to|290|g|lb}} and are on average {{convert|233|mm|in}} in length, though their range is {{convert|209|to|258|mm|in}}.

File:Don't shoot the squirrels sign, BLM Southwest Idaho.jpg]]

Behavior

The southern Idaho ground squirrel can be found in an area about {{convert|30|by|70|km|mi|abbr=off|sp=us}} extending from Emmett, Idaho, northwest to Weiser, Idaho, and the surrounding area of Squaw Butte, Midvale Hill, and Henley Basin in Gem, Payette, and Washington counties.

Its range is bounded on the south by the Payette River, on the west by the Snake River and on the northeast by lava flows. Their habitat is typified by rolling hills, basins, and flats at an altitude of between {{convert|670|and|975|m|ft|sp=us}}.

References

{{Reflist}}