About Spermophilus fulvus (Lichtenstein, 1823)
The yellow ground squirrel, scientifically named Spermophilus fulvus (Lichtenstein, 1823), is a large, sturdy species of ground squirrel. It is native to Afghanistan, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Russia. This squirrel lives in sandy steppes that contain Artemisia, glasswort, and tamarisk. The soles of its hind feet are hairless, except for the heel area. Yellow ground squirrels live in large colonies, are strictly active during the day, and do most of their foraging in the morning when vegetation is still damp. Their diet consists of bulbs, seeds, stems, and leaves. They undergo hibernation, and may also enter aestivation.
