Unstriped ground squirrel

The unstriped ground squirrel is endemic to Ethiopia,[6] Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Djibouti, Eritrea and Uganda and probably extant in Somalia.[7] Its natural habitats include dry (arid) savanna and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. Populations occupy many overlapping regions with its sister group, the striped ground squirrel (X. erythropus), in northeastern Africa.[8] X. rutilus dig and occupy burrows in generally arid conditions.[3]

The unstriped ground squirrels demonstrate diurnality[3] with an omnivorous diet consisting of leaves, tree fruits (Adansonia digital), seeds (Commiphora and Acacia trees), other plant materials, and insects.[3] Studies[9] show that X. rutilus is unaffected by poisonous tannins and to some degree eats oxalic-containing foods. X. rutilus has been shown to be uniquely efficient in its capacity to forage for food. This ability is not diminished across a variety of different environments, including those with a poor to moderate food supply.[9]

X. rutilus are mainly solitary. They live in burrow systems with one or two adults with overlapping home areas. In times of danger unstriped ground squirrel may dive into a foreign burrow for safety. Unstriped ground squirrels permit non-resident squirrels to enter their burrows, including those of other species (X. erythropus).[3] They spend most of their waking hours outside their burrows, but utilize them for sleep and shelter from the elements. They move around quite often during the day, but remain sedentary.[10][11]

Although not territorial, a dominance hierarchy exists with male squirrels being dominant over females and younger squirrels. X. rutilus demonstrate dominance via vocalization, tail displays, and physical lunges.[3][10][11]

Unstriped ground squirrels generally reside in hot arid conditions and compensate by exhibiting behavioral thermoregulation. After periods of foraging in hot areas, they retreat to the shade and lie down on the shaded ground to cool off.[3][10][11]