Siberian Chipmunk
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| Siberian Chipmunk | ||||||||||||||
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| Tamias sibiricus Laxmann, 1769 |
The Siberian Chipmunk is a member of the chipmunk genus, Tamias. Ranging across northern Asia from central Russia to China, Korea and northern Japan (Hokkaidō), it is the only member of its genus found outside North America. It lives in woodland habitats with a bushy understory.
It is 18-25 cm long, of which a third is the tail. The weight of adults depends on the time of year, and is normally 50-150 grams. Therefore, the Siberian Chipmunk is relatively small compared to other Sciuridae, such as the Red Squirrel.
Its natural foes include birds of prey, mustelids, and cats. In rare cases Siberian Chipmunks may spread diseases such as rabies by biting other animals or humans.
It has colonised parts of eastern and central Europe due to escapes from captivity.
[edit] Captivity
The Siberian Chipmunk has in recent years become a relatively popular pet, but needs a lot of room for climbing and should have covered space to retreat. They are less active in winter but normally do not fall into winter sleep in heated rooms. In captivity Siberian Chipmunks often live 6 to 10 or even more years. Most animals also born in captivity become tame to a certain degree.
[edit] References
- Baillie (1996). Tamias sibiricus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 05 May 2006.
[edit] External links
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