Palmer's chipmunk

Palmer's chipmunk resembles other chipmunks in that it has solid black and white stripes that run down its body dorsally. The body of the chipmunk is tan while its ventral side is more pale. Total body length is , with a tail of . Adults weigh between 50 and 69.4 grams. == Distribution and habitat ==

Palmer's chipmunk is found only in the Spring Mountains of Clark County, southern Nevada. They mostly occur at high elevation altitudes of , inhabiting cliffs and forested areas between the upper pinyon pine and juniper regions, up and into the fir-pine and bristlecone pine communities. This species has been found to have the highest abundance within white fir and mixed conifer dense region of the Spring Mountains. ==Ecology==

The caches of Palmer's chipmunk have been found to contain seeds from the ponderosa pine, which are an important food resource of the chipmunk. This species is determined to be omnivores, they are known to eat local fruits, grass, insects, fungus, and the seeds of other conifers. Palmer's chipmunk is a primary prey species for a number of animals in its habitat. Typical predators of the chipmunk are red-tailed hawks, rattlesnakes, coyotes, raccoons, long-tailed weasels, as well as feral cats and dogs. Pups mature rapidly and can be independent by the end of the summer season. Palmer's chipmunk pups become sexually mature at around 10 months old. They typically breed once a year and females alone are responsible for caring for their young. ==Conservation==

The species has been classified as endangered by the IUCN. The majority of the Palmer's chipmunk habitat is protected and managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. Its habitat is being reduced by the extension of campgrounds, woodcutting, and the increasing sprawl of Las Vegas. Habitat loss for the Palmer's chipmunk can also be attributed to recreational wildfires and climate change. Predation by feral dogs and cats is also likely to be a factor. Habitat fragmentation due to the breaking up and degradation of forest habitats has led to an increase risk for these animals. ==References==