Spermophilus musicus Ménétries, 1832

Scientific Classification

The Caucasian Mountain ground squirrel, with the scientific name Spermophilus musicus, is a rodent species that belongs to the family Sciuridae. Its taxonomic classification has been widely debated, and it has sometimes been classified as a subspecies of the little ground squirrel.

Historical Distribution

Previously, this species was thought to be endemic to the North Caucasus, specifically the regions of Kabardino-Balkaria and North Ossetia-Alania.

2024 Taxonomic Revision

However, a 2024 analysis proposed that all populations of the little ground squirrel living west of the Volga River should be grouped into this species.

Revised Distribution Range

Under this new classification, the Caucasian ground squirrel has a widespread distribution, ranging from Dagestan to Crimea, and across the area between the Dnieper and Volga rivers.

Distribution Exceptions

It is not found in the Kuban region, and the original North Caucasus population that was first described as Spermophilus musicus is geographically isolated.

Conservation Status

Even though its original range is small, the IUCN Red List currently classifies Spermophilus musicus as a species of least concern, because the species is common throughout its range and its total population is increasing.