Knowra Xerini Xerini Xerini is a tribe of African ground squirrels in the squirrel family Sciuridae. Its living members include African ground squirrels and the unstriped ground squirrel.
Sciuridae : Sciuridae is the family of rodents that includes squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, and prairie dogs. Xerini is one tribe within this family of rodents.
African ground squirrel : African ground squirrels are terrestrial squirrels of the genus Xerus, native to Africa. Xerus is the best-known genus placed in Xerini.
Burrow : A burrow is an underground tunnel or chamber excavated and used by an animal. Xerini species use burrows for shelter, refuge, and rearing young.
Marmotini : Marmotini is a tribe of ground squirrels that includes marmots, prairie dogs, and chipmunks. This ground-squirrel tribe is a close taxonomic counterpart outside Xerini.
Xerinae : Xerinae is a subfamily of squirrels that includes ground squirrels, tree squirrels, and flying squirrels. Xerini belongs to this subfamily, alongside several other squirrel tribes.
Unstriped ground squirrel : The unstriped ground squirrel is a large African ground squirrel, Xerus rutilus, lacking the side stripes of several relatives. This species represents a distinct Xerini lineage adapted to dry habitats.
Anti-predator adaptation : An anti-predator adaptation is a trait or behavior that reduces an animal's risk of being killed by predators. Ground squirrels rely on vigilance and rapid retreat to limit predation.
Protoxerini : Protoxerini is a tribe of African tree squirrels in the subfamily Xerinae. Its African range overlaps Xerini, but its members are chiefly arboreal.
Ground squirrel : Ground squirrels are squirrels that chiefly live and forage on or beneath the ground. The tribe groups African species with this ground-dwelling way of life.
Striped ground squirrel : Striped ground squirrels are African members of the genus Xerus with conspicuous pale stripes along their sides. Their side stripes distinguish several species within the tribe.
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