Unstriped ground squirrel

The unstriped ground squirrel is brownish or tawny in color with a lighter colored front. As the name suggests the X. rutilus differs from other species of African ground squirrel by not having dorsal-running longitudinal white stripes. The eye is ringed with white hair (all hair being coarse in observed specimens). Their small head and body measure on average long with an average tail length of . This tail is flat in appearance. Body weight varies across studies and habitats and ranges from . The length of the hind foot is 35–49 mm with a braincase measuring only 24–25 mm. The length of the mandible is variable in the range of 31.0 to 33.9 mm. Xerus rutilus is a member of the Xerini tribe, but differs from its sister group Xerus daamsi. Both are separate and distinct from the North African equivalent Atlantoxerus. Vibrissae (whiskers) length and brain size are both smaller than arboreal squirrels of the region, but are similar to other terrestrial squirrels. No significant sexual dimorphism is noted in X. rutilus. ==Local and indigenous names==

In Tigrinya language: or (mitsutsilay, chechera). In Turkana: , borrowed further in Daasanach: ==Ecology==

Range and habitat The unstriped ground squirrel is endemic to Ethiopia, X. rutilus dig and occupy burrows in generally arid conditions. ==Behavior==

Burrows 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 (E. erythropus). Dominance hierarchy 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. ==Physiology==

Thermoregulation 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. ==References==