Merriam's chipmunk (Neotamias merriami) is a species of chipmunk in the family Sciuridae. It is found in central and southern California[2] in the United States and a small area in northern Baja California, Mexico.[1]
| Merriam's chipmunk | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Sciuridae |
| Genus: | Neotamias |
| Species: | N. merriami
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| Binomial name | |
| Neotamias merriami (J. A. Allen, 1889)
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| Synonyms | |
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Tamias merriami J. A. Allen, 1889 | |
Description
editIts fur is grayish-brown, with dark and light-colored dorsal stripes. It has light gray or white stripes around the eyes and a white underbelly. The tail is very bushy, often measuring over 80% of the head and body length. They experience molting of the fur on their bodies and tails.[3]
The dental formula for Tamias merriami is 1.0.2.3.1.0.1.3. × 2 = 22[3]
Distribution and habitat
editThe Merriam’s chipmunk lives in parts of central and southern California and Baja California,[1] including along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains.[3] They have been observed at altitudes of up to 2,940 meters but most often live at elevations under 1,200 meters. They primarily inhabit forests and chaparral-covered shrubland habitats. They live in areas with a variety of trees, shrubs, logs, rocks, and plant litter, which are features utilized for their food and shelter. [3]
Diet
editThe merriam’s chipmunk has a mainly herbivorous diet. It forages daily for food and carries seeds or acorns in its cheek pouches, often to be cached in the ground. Acorns are a major part of its diet, especially from valley oak trees. Other sources of food include the seeds, nuts, and berries of a variety of plants, insects, and larvae.[3]
Reproduction
editWhen mating, females attract males by calling to them. The duration of the female call is ten to fifteen minutes. A male will hear the call and respond to it by running to and jumping around the female. The female then squats down, and the male performs 12-24 thrusts. The entire process of mating lasts about fifteen seconds.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b c Álvarez-Castañeda, S.T.; Castro-Arellano, I.; Lacher, T. (2016). "Neotamias merriami". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T21358A22269203. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T21358A22269203.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ "California Mammal Maps - Merriam's Chipmunk (Tamias merriami)". Archived from the original on 2010-12-16. Retrieved 2010-08-26.
- ^ a b c d e Best, Troy L.; Granai, Nancy J. (1994-12-02). "Tamias merriami". Mammalian Species (476): 1–9. doi:10.2307/3504203. ISSN 0076-3519. JSTOR 3504203.
- ^ Compton, Stephen B (January 1995). ""REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR IN MERRIAM'S CHIPMUNK (TAMIAS MERRIAMI)."". The Great Basin Naturalist. 55 (1). ISSN 0017-3614. JSTOR 41712869.