About Atlantoxerus getulus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Species Overview
The Barbary ground squirrel (Atlantoxerus getulus) is a small species. Adults grow to a total length of 160 to 220 millimetres (6.3 to 8.7 in), with a bushy tail of a similar length.
Weight and Fur Traits
Individuals can weigh up to 350 grams (12 oz), and have short, wiry fur. Their base fur colour is greyish-brown or reddish-brown, with a white stripe running along each side of the body; sometimes a second white stripe runs along the spine.
Underbelly and Tail Markings
Their underbelly is paler grey, and their tail has longitudinal bars of black and grey.
Native Distribution
This squirrel is native to the Barbary Coast, occurring on the seaward side of the Atlas Mountains in Western Sahara, Morocco, and Algeria. It was introduced to the Canary Island of Fuerteventura in 1965.
Regional Squirrel Context
It is one of only two squirrel species found in Africa north of the Sahara; the other is a small population of striped ground squirrel in southern Morocco.
Habitat Preferences
It inhabits arid, rocky terrain, and can be found in mountainous regions up to an altitude of approximately 4,000 metres (13,000 ft).
