Long-tailed Ground Squirrel

Identification

The long-tailed ground squirrel, also known as Eversmann's souslik, is a compact and low-slung rodent with distinctively short legs and a notably long bushy tail. Adults reach body lengths of up to 315 millimetres, with tails extending to 160 millimetres—proportions that give this species its characteristic silhouette. The back is brown with a striking linear pattern of small dark spots, while the underparts are paler ochre-brown with a distinctive reddish tinge along the sides. The tail itself is barred in brown and black, marked with a prominent light edge stripe and a pale tip that makes it highly recognizable in the field.

Range & Habitat

This species inhabits a vast range across Central and East Asia, found in China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Russia. Within this distribution, long-tailed ground squirrels favour submontane steppes, plains, and meadows at elevations up to 3,100 metres. They also occupy the edges of pine forests and birch woods, forest clearings, and agricultural land, ranging from Southern Siberia and the Altai region eastward to Manchuria. Two isolated populations persist in Eastern Siberia—one in southeastern Yakutia and another in the south of the Amur region.

Behaviour & Diet

Long-tailed ground squirrels are highly social animals that live in colonies connected by extensive burrow systems. The complexity of their underground architecture depends on soil type: in light sandy soils, burrows extend to 3 metres deep with a single entrance surrounded by a large mound of soil up to 2 metres in diameter, with underground passages stretching up to 15 metres. In heavier clay soils, burrows are shallower at about 2 metres but spread across 5–7 metres with multiple entrances. These squirrels emerge from hibernation in March, with young born approximately a month later; litters typically contain five to eight pups. Activity peaks during early morning and late afternoon or evening, with the animals retreating underground during midday heat. Their diet comprises green vegetation, seeds, insects, bulbs, and roots; before entering hibernation in October, they store up to 6 kilograms of vegetation and grain within their burrows to sustain them through winter.

Best Time & Places to See It

The best time to observe long-tailed ground squirrels is from March through September, when they are active above ground. Focus your search on steppe habitats, meadows, and agricultural areas across their range in Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China. Early morning and late afternoon visits to suitable habitat will yield the most sightings, as the animals are most active during these cooler parts of the day.

Photography Tips

Photograph long-tailed ground squirrels during early morning or late afternoon light, when they are most active and the low angle of the sun enhances detail and texture. Their distinctive barred tail and spotted back pattern are key identifying features worth capturing clearly. Position yourself quietly near colony burrows and wait patiently; the animals are wary and will retreat underground if disturbed. A telephoto lens will help you maintain distance while recording fine details of their pelage and characteristic posture.