Urocitellus undulatus (Pallas, 1778)

Common Name and Body Structure

Urocitellus undulatus, commonly known as the long-tailed ground squirrel, has a compact, low-slung body, short legs, and a long bushy tail.

Body and Tail Size

Its body can reach up to 315 millimetres (12.4 in) in length, while its tail can grow to 160 millimetres (6.3 in).

Dorsal Coloration

The species' back is brown, marked with a linear pattern of small dark spots.

Ventral and Flank Coloration

Its underparts are a paler ochre-brown, with a reddish tinge running along the sides.

Tail Markings

The tail has alternating brown and black bars, a prominent light edge stripe, and a pale tip.

Core Range and Habitat Types

This species occurs across a range that extends from Southern Siberia and the Altai region of Russia to Manchuria, covering habitats including submontane steppes up to 3,100 metres (10,200 ft), plains, meadows, edges of pine and birch forests, clearings, and agricultural land.

Isolated Eastern Siberian Populations

Two isolated populations of Urocitellus undulatus exist in Eastern Siberia: one in southeastern Yakutia, and the other in the southern Amur region.

Additional Country Distribution

It is also found in Mongolia, and in the northwestern and northeastern parts of China.