Fauna
Mammal

Little Ground Squirrel

Spermophilus pygmaeus

Also known as Little Souslik, Pygmy Ground Squirrel, Small Souslik

Little ground squirrels construct extensive underground burrows in the dry steppes and semideserts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, emerging daily to forage during warmer weather. They spend up to eight months of the year hibernating underground to survive severe winters and summer droughts. Highly social yet territorial, they rely on sharp high pitched alarm calls to warn neighboring burrows of approaching raptors.

BurrowingSocialDiurnal
Little Ground Squirrel reference
(c) SIA, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by SIA · cc-by
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyGrass shoots, Seeds, Insects
Predators
  • Steppe Eagle
  • Saker Falcon
  • Steppe Polecat
ThreatsHabitat loss from agriculture, steppe fires, and direct extermination
HabitatsDry steppes, semideserts, grasslands, and pasture margins
Life span3–6 years
Classification
  1. FamilySciuridae
  2. SpeciesSpermophilus pygmaeus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
May bite if cornered or handled; observe quietly from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Scan open steppe pastures on sunny mornings when individuals stand sentry near burrows.
  • Distance: Keep a distance of at least 15 meters to prevent triggering alarm calls.
  • Seasonal timing: Plan visits between April and July before adults begin summer hibernation.
Related species
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