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Urocitellus columbianus

(Ord, 1815)

Columbian Ground Squirrel

G5Secure Found in 88 roadless areas NatureServe Explorer →
G5SecureGlobal Rank
Least concernIUCN
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.103644
Element CodeAMAFB05070
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVertebrate Animal
IUCNLeast concern
Endemicoccurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumCraniata
ClassMammalia
OrderRodentia
FamilySciuridae
GenusUrocitellus
Synonyms
Spermophilus columbianus(Ord, 1815)
Other Common Names
Columbian ground squirrel (EN) Spermophile du Columbia (FR)
Concept Reference
Wilson, D. E., and D. M. Reeder (editors). 1993. Mammal species of the world: a taxonomic and geographic reference. Second edition. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC. xviii + 1206 pp. Available online at: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/msw/.
Taxonomic Comments
Recent molecular phylogenetic studies suggest that the traditionally recognized genera Marmota (marmots), Cynomys (prairie dogs), and Ammospermophilus (antelope ground squirrels) render Spermophilus paraphyletic, potentially suggesting that multiple generic-level lineages should be credited within Spermophilus (Helgen et al. 2009). As a result, ground squirrels formerly allocated to the genus Spermophilus (sensu Thorington and Hoffman, in Wilson and Reeder 2005) are now classified in 8 genera (Notocitellus, Otospermophilus, Callospermophilus, Ictidomys, Poliocitellus, Xerospermophilus, and Urocitellus). Spermophilus sensu stricto is restricted to Eurasia.

Various data indicate a close relationship between U. columbianus and U. parryii, but a mitochondrial DNA analysis indicated that U. parryii and u. richardsonii are more closely related to each other than either is to U. columbianus (MacNeil and Strobeck 1987).
Conservation Status
Rank MethodExpertise without calculation
Review Date2016-04-05
Change Date1996-11-06
Range Extent Comments
Central Rocky Mountains in North America, from southeastern British Columbia and southwestern Alberta, Canada, south through northern and eastern Washington, northeastern Oregon, northern and central Idaho and western Montana in the U.S. Elevational range mainly 700-8000 ft.
Ecology & Habitat

Habitat

Open habitat: high grass plateaus, sagebrush plains, valley grasslands, openings (meadows, clearcuts) in coniferous forests, alpine meadows, and stream banks. Not very tolerant of dry conditions. Typically burrows in friable or sandy soils in open ground or bank under boulder or log.

Ecology

Colonial. Population density of 32-35/ha was reported for central Idaho and Alberta; 25-62/ha on agricultural lands in Washington; density generally is uneven over large areas (see Elliot and Flinders 1991). See Festa-Bianchet and King (1991) for information on survivorship and reproduction during population increases and decreases in Alberta. In southwestern Alberta, intercolony dispersal was mainly by yearling males; usually dispersed less than 4 km but up to 8.5 km (Wiggett and Boag 1989). Average home range of adult male was about 0.4 ha, of adult female about 0.1 ha. Adult males defend (primarily during breeding season) core areas within home range. Adult females defend territory near nest burrow; exhibit strong site fidelity. Reservoir for Rocky Mountain spotted fever and bubonic plague. Prey for various carnivores and diurnal raptors. Populations can withstand heavy predation without declining (Murie, 1992, J. Mamm. 73:385-394).

Reproduction

Mating occurs soon after females emerge from hibernation. Gestation lasts 24 days. Litter of 2-7 (average 2-4) altricial young is born May-late June. Nursing period usually lasts about 30 days. Sexually mature in 1-2 years; 22-33% survive to maturity (Zammuto and Millar 1985). In southwestern Alberta, reproductive success of females ranged from 0 to 19 yearlings produced over a lifetime (King et al. 1991).
Terrestrial Habitats
Woodland - ConiferShrubland/chaparralGrassland/herbaceousAlpineCropland/hedgerow
Palustrine Habitats
Riparian
Other Nations (2)
United StatesN5
ProvinceRankNative
WashingtonS5Yes
MontanaS5Yes
IdahoS4Yes
OregonS4Yes
CanadaN5
ProvinceRankNative
British ColumbiaS5Yes
AlbertaS5Yes
Roadless Areas (88)
Idaho (11)
AreaForestAcres
Bighorn - WeitasNez Perce-Clearwater National Forest254,845
Boulder - White CloudsSawtooth National Forest322,653
Boulder - White CloudsSalmon-Challis National Forest139,297
HoodooNez Perce-Clearwater National Forest153,868
NeedlesPayette National Forest131,279
North Lochsa SlopeNez Perce-Clearwater National Forest117,662
Peace RockBoise National Forest191,734
Pioneer MountainsSawtooth National Forest119,563
Pioneer MountainsSalmon-Challis National Forest172,460
SeceshPayette National Forest248,088
West Meadow CreekNez Perce-Clearwater National Forest115,949
Montana (36)
AreaForestAcres
Allan Mountain (01946)Bitterroot National Forest104,184
Anaconda HillHelena National Forest18,546
Anderson MountainBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest31,501
Bear - Marshall - Scapegoat - SwanHelena National Forest51,360
Bear - Marshall - Scapegoat - SwanLolo National Forest118,485
Bear - Marshall - Scapegoat - SwanLewis and Clark National Forest344,022
Big LogHelena National Forest8,954
Bmss Ra 1485Flathead National Forest334,275
Buckhorn Ridge (MT)Kootenai National Forest34,716
Cabinet Face East #671Kootenai National Forest50,326
CataractKootenai National Forest25,446
Cube Iron - SilcoxLolo National Forest36,998
Deadhorse Ridge Ra 1128Flathead National Forest23,648
East PioneerBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest145,082
Flagstaff Mountain #690Kootenai National Forest11,114
HoodooLolo National Forest105,162
Lazyman GulchHelena National Forest11,614
Lolo CreekLolo National Forest14,335
Marble PointLolo National Forest12,581
Mt. BushnellLolo National Forest41,798
Mt. Henry #666Kootenai National Forest13,603
Nevada MountainHelena National Forest50,135
North Big HoleBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest52,227
O'Neil CreekBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest6,279
Scotchman Peaks (MT)Kootenai National Forest53,909
Selway - Bitterroot (01067)Bitterroot National Forest114,953
Sheep Mountain - StatelineLolo National Forest37,844
Silver KingLolo National Forest12,816
Silver KingBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest64,289
South Siegel - South CutoffLolo National Forest13,474
Swan River Island RA LIFAAFlathead National Forest465
Tash PeakBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest61,312
Ten Lakes #683Kootenai National Forest48,545
West Big HoleBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest133,563
West PioneerBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest248,631
Willard Estelle #173Kootenai National Forest3,714
Oregon (19)
AreaForestAcres
Boulder ParkWallowa-Whitman National Forest12,141
BuckhornWallowa-Whitman National Forest17,180
Castle RidgeWallowa-Whitman National Forest8,377
Grande RondeUmatilla National Forest12,296
HellholeUmatilla National Forest65,679
Hurricane CreekWallowa-Whitman National Forest1,606
Imnaha FaceWallowa-Whitman National Forest29,575
Jaussaud CorralUmatilla National Forest5,535
Joseph CanyonWallowa-Whitman National Forest24,288
Lake ForkWallowa-Whitman National Forest21,936
Lick CreekWallowa-Whitman National Forest1,956
Little SheepWallowa-Whitman National Forest5,238
LookingglassUmatilla National Forest4,859
Mcclellan MountainMalheur National Forest21,213
Mill Creek Watershed (OR)Umatilla National Forest7,820
ReservoirWallowa-Whitman National Forest13,641
Twin MountainWallowa-Whitman National Forest58,533
Upper Catherine CreekWallowa-Whitman National Forest6,446
Walla Walla RiverUmatilla National Forest34,416
Washington (22)
AreaForestAcres
Asotin CreekUmatilla National Forest16,433
Bald SnowColville National Forest23,198
Clackamas MountainOkanogan National Forest12,478
Dry Canyon BreaksColville National Forest4,821
Granite MountainOkanogan National Forest27,428
Grassy TopColville National Forest10,302
Jackson CreekOkanogan National Forest7,791
Liberty BellOkanogan National Forest108,495
Long SwampOkanogan National Forest66,344
Meadow CreekUmatilla National Forest4,882
Mill Creek Watershed (WA)Umatilla National Forest16,747
Mt. BonaparteOkanogan National Forest10,891
Pasayten RimOkanogan National Forest17,074
ProfanityColville National Forest28,944
Salmo - Priest BColville National Forest11,869
SawtoothOkanogan National Forest122,194
SpanglerUmatilla National Forest5,936
TiffanyOkanogan National Forest22,045
Twin SistersColville National Forest13,051
Upper TucannonUmatilla National Forest12,485
Wenatchee CreekUmatilla National Forest15,315
Willow SpringsUmatilla National Forest10,414
References (27)
  1. Albert, W. W., and C. R. Record. 1982. Efficacy and costs of four rodenticides for controlling Columbian ground squirrels in western Montana. Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings 5:218-230.
  2. American Society of Mammalogists (ASM). 2024. The Mammal Diversity Database (MDD). Online. Available: www.mammaldiversity.org
  3. Askham, L. R. 1985. Effectiveness of two anticoagulant rodenticides (chlorophacinone and bromadiolone) for Columbian ground squirrel (SPERMOPHILUS COLUMBIANUS) control in eastern Washington. Crop Protection 4:365-371.
  4. Banfield, A. W. F. 1974. The mammals of Canada. University of Toronto Press, Toronto, Canada. 438 pp.
  5. Dalquest. W. W. 1948. Mammals of Washington. University of Kansas Museum Natural History Publ. 2:1-444.
  6. Drabek, C. M. 1973. Home range and daily activity of the round-tailed ground squirrel, <i>Spermophilus tereticaudus neglectus</i>. American Midland Naturalist 89:287-93.
  7. Elliot, C. L., and J. T. Flinders. 1991. Spermophilus columbianus. Am. Soc. Mamm., Mammalian Species No. 372:1-9.
  8. Evans, F. C., and R. Holdenried. 1943. A population study of the Beechey ground squirrel in central California. Journal of Mammalogy 24:231-260.
  9. Festa-Bianchet, M., and W. J. King. 1991. Effects of litter size and population dynamics on juvenile and maternal survival in Columbian ground squirrels. J. Anim. Ecol. 60:1077-1090.
  10. Hafner, D. J. 1992. Speciation and persistence of a contact zone in Mojave Desert ground squirrels, subgenus <i>Xerospermophilus</i>. Journal of Mammalogy 73:770-778.
  11. Harris, J. H., and P. Leitner. 2004. Home-range size and use of space by adult Mohave ground squirrels, <i>Spermophilus mohavensis</i>. Journal of Mammalogy 85:517-523.
  12. Helgen, K. M., F. R. Cole, L. E. Helgen, and D. E. Wilson. 2009. Generic revision in the holarctic ground squirrel genus <i>Spermophilus</i>. Journal of Mammalogy 90(2):270-305.
  13. Johnson, K. 1981. Social organization in a colony of rock squirrels (<i>Spermophilus variegatus</i>). Southwestern Naturalist 26:237-242.
  14. King, W. J., M. Festa-Bianchet, and S. E. Hatfield. 1992. Determinants of reproductive success in female Columbian ground squirrels. Oecologia 86:528-534.
  15. MacNeil, D., and C. Strobeck. 1987. Evolutionary relationships among colonies of Columbian ground squirrels as shown by mitochondrial DNA. Evolution 41:873-881.
  16. Matschke, G. H., et al. 1988. Comparative toxicity of strychnine to eight species of ground squirrels. Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings 8:75-80.
  17. Morton, M. L., C. S. Maxwell, and C. E. Wade. 1974. Body size, body composition, and behavior of juvenile Belding ground squirrels. Great Basin Naturalist 34:121-134.
  18. Murie, J. O. 1973. Population characteristics and phenology of a Franklin ground squirrel <i>(Spermophilus franklinii)</i> colony in central Alberta. American Midland Naturalist 90:334-40.
  19. Murie, J. O., and G. R. Michener, editors. 1984. The biology of ground-dwelling squirrels: annual cycles, behavioral ecology and sociality. Univ. Nebraska Press, Lincoln. xvi + 459 pp.
  20. Murie, J. O., and M. A. Harris. 1978. Territoriality and dominance in male Columbian ground squirrels (<i>Spermophilus columbianus</i>). Canadian Journal of Zoology 56:2402-12
  21. Olson, G. S., and B. Van Horne. 1998. Dispersal patterns of juvenile Townsend's ground squirrels in southwestern Idaho. Canadian Journal of Zoology 76:2084-2089.
  22. Owings, D. H., M. Borchert, and R. A. Virginia. 1977. The behaviour of California ground squirrels. Animal Behaviour 25:221-30.
  23. Recht, M. A. 1977. The biology of the Mohave ground squirrel (<i>Spermophilus mohavensis</i>): home range, daily activity, foraging and weight gain, and thermoregulatory behavior. Ph.D. dissertation, University of California, Los Angeles. 117 pp.
  24. Slade, N. A., and D. F. Balph. 1974. Population ecology of Uinta ground squirrels. Ecology 55:989-1003.
  25. Wiggett, D. R., and D. A. Boag. 1989. Intercolony natal dispersal in the Columbian ground squirrel. Can. J. Zool.67:42-50.
  26. Wilson, D. E., and D. M. Reeder (editors). 1993. Mammal species of the world: a taxonomic and geographic reference. Second edition. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC. xviii + 1206 pp. Available online at: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/msw/.
  27. Zammuto, R. M., and J. S. Millar. 1985. A consideration of bet-hedging in Spermophilus columbianus. J. Mamm. 66:652- 660.