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Little suslik

Little suslik

Russian Federation, Ukraine
Status
Least Concern

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
Grassland, Wetland, Freshwater, Desert

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
seeds, herbaceous plants, wild berries, and soft bark

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
crepuscular

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

COMMENT: Subgenus Spermophilus; see Gromov et al., 1965: 257. See comment under musicus. Hybridizes rarely with erythrogenys, fulvus, and major; see Bazhanov, 1944, Dokl. Akad. Nauk S. S. S. R., 42 (7): 321 - 322, Bazhanov, 1945, Vestn. Kazakh. Fil. Akad. Nauk S. S. S. R., 5 (8): 37 - 39, and Denisov, 1964, Nauchin. Dokl. Vyssh. Shk. Biol. Nauki, 2: 49 - 54. Also hybridizes with suslicus; see Denisov and Smirnova, 1976, Acta TherioL, 21: 267 - 278.
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Little suslik is officially designated as Least Concern. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to grassland, wetland, freshwater, desert, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of seeds, herbaceous plants, wild berries, and soft bark. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a crepuscular activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem. The species has a typical natural lifespan of approximately 3 years, allowing it to adapt and mature through structured generational cycles.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Little suslik.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangeRussian Federation, Ukraine
Habitat RangeGrassland, Wetland, Freshwater, Desert
Lifespan3 Yrs
StatusLeast Concern
ScientificSpermophilus pygmaeus
Registry Info
Lifespan3 years
KingdomAnimalia
FamilySciuridae