Barbary ground squirrel

Presentation

The Barbary ground squirrel (Atlantoxerus getulus) is a small rodent native to the mountain ranges of North Africa. It is distinguished by its brown-gray coat streaked with light longitudinal bands on the back and sides. Very sociable, it lives in colonies in burrows dug between rocks. Introduced on the island of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands in 1965, it is today considered an invasive species. This terrestrial sciurid is active during the day and spends most of its time searching for food on the ground.

The Barbary ground squirrel has a stocky body, a bushy tail almost as long as the body, and characteristic light longitudinal stripes on the back. Its short legs and strong claws allow it to climb rocks and dig burrows. Its large eyes and short ears are adapted to life in open and rocky environments.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

The species frequents rocky areas, arid mountain slopes and semi-desert terrain with crevices and rocky outcrops. It avoids overly vegetated environments, preferring open spaces offering good visibility against predators.

Behaviour

It is a diurnal and gregarious species, living in colonies structured around networks of common burrows. Individuals spend much of the day feeding and scanning their surroundings for predators. Alarm cries are emitted in case of danger, triggering collective flight towards shelters. Mutual grooming strengthens social bonds within the group.

Reproduction

The female gives birth to one or two litters per year, generally numbering two to four young. Gestation lasts about a month. The young are born in the burrow and remain dependent on their mother for several weeks before becoming independent.

Peculiarities

Its light dorsal stripes are reminiscent of those of certain North American ground squirrels, although the species is not directly related to them. The population introduced to Fuerteventura constitutes a classic case study in invasion biology.

Threats and conservation

Locally, the species can be perceived as harmful to crops in certain Moroccan agricultural areas. On the island of Fuerteventura, it is itself considered a threat to native flora and fauna. In its native area, it is not subject to any major identified threats.

References

Profile updated 10 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Least concern (LC)

IUCN source, latest published assessment.

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