The South African ground squirrel is a species of ground squirrel commonly found in African countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Namibia. According to the observation of biologists, South African ground squirrels are very short-tempered and often fight over courtship and territory, but they also like to kiss when they meet. Today, let Xiaobian introduce to you a little knowledge about the South African ground squirrel!

I. Basic information

[Chinese name] South African ground squirrel

[Another name] Cape Land Squirrel, African Ground Squirrel

[Latin name] Xerus inauris

[Kingdom] Animalia

[Door] Chordate

【Subclass】Vertebrate subphylum

【Class】Mammalia

【Subclass】Zeuthera

【Order】Rodentia

【Suborder】Sciuridae

【Family】Sciuridae

【Subfamily】African ground squirrels

【Family】African Ground squirrels

[genus] African ground squirrels

[species] South African ground squirrels

Second, morphological characteristics

1. Body size: The average length of adult male South African ground squirrels is 45-60 cm, and the length of female ground squirrels is about 43-55 cm. A distinctive feature of South African ground squirrels is that they have two front teeth on their upper and lower jaws, as well as a large fluffy tail.

2. Body color: The body color of the South African ground squirrel varies between dark brown and light brown, with obvious white stripes on the sides of the body.

III. Habitat environment and habits

1. Habitat environment: The main habitat of the South African ground squirrel is the arid prairie. and tropical and subtropical shrubland.

2. Likes to kiss: The reason why South African ground squirrels like to kiss is because they can identify each other as their relatives in this way. Under the skin around their mouth, there is a gland. Even if it is a relative who has never met before, ground squirrels can use their housekeeping skills to smell whether the other party is a strange squirrel or is related to themselves, so that inbreeding can be avoided.

3. Personality: South African ground squirrels are notoriously short-tempered. Many photographers have traveled to Africa to capture images of South African ground squirrels fighting. There are also many reasons for South African ground squirrels to fight, such as courtship, competition for territory, and food.

The above is some little knowledge about the South African ground squirrel. Friends who want to learn more about animals can continue to pay attention to this site!