Are ground squirrels just tree squirrels that decided to trade branches for deep tunnels?

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: While they share a family tree with their arboreal cousins, ground squirrels have evolved into a diverse group of 62 species that master life on the surface. From deep-hibernating rodents in North American winters to tropical specialists in Southeast Asian forests, these creatures have adapted in remarkable, often surprising, ways.

Ground squirrels are a diverse group of 62 species within the family Sciuridae, characterized by their terrestrial nature, short legs, and strong claws for excavation. While the name often evokes images of open temperate habitats in North America and Eurasia, their range is vast. Some species, like the Barbary ground squirrel, thrive in the rocky terrain of the Atlas Mountains, while others, such as the shrew-faced ground squirrel of the Sunda Islands, have evolved specialized snouts to hunt earthworms and insects in tropical forests.

The survival strategies of these rodents are as varied as their environments. Nontropical species often rely on deep hibernation to endure harsh winters. For instance, the 13-lined ground squirrel undergoes a dramatic physiological transformation, with its body temperature dropping from 37 °C to just a few degrees above the burrow temperature, while its heart rate plummets from hundreds of beats per minute to roughly five. Conversely, species in arid regions, such as the antelope ground squirrel, remain active year-round by utilizing their bushy tails as portable heat shields to regulate body temperature against the sun.

Classification remains a complex puzzle for biologists. While they are grouped within the subfamily Sciurinae, the evolutionary history of these rodents is still being mapped. Tropical ground squirrels, for example, are more closely related to tropical tree squirrels than to their temperate ground-dwelling counterparts. Furthermore, the distinction between ground squirrels and other rodents like marmots or chipmunks can be blurry, as these groups often share common ancestors and similar burrowing behaviors. Understanding these relationships requires careful study of both fossil records and genetic data to determine how these animals successfully colonized such diverse global landscapes.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• Squirrels climb down trees headfirst by turning their ankles backwards
• The fox squirrel is North America's largest tree squirrel, thriving from attics to forests.
• Squirrels use deceptive tactics to trick rivals out of their winter food
• The Eurasian ground squirrel that spends nearly nine months of the year asleep
• Individual versatility versus collective intelligence: how small mammals conquer the planet
• The ancient origins of the guan reveal a complex history of South American evolution.
• The elusive ground roller is a master of disguise hidden within Madagascar's dense forests.
• Why the pear-shaped egg of the guillemot is a masterpiece of cliffside survival
• Unlike their tree-dwelling cousins, these African giants rule the savanna floor as predators.
• The guitarfish is an evolutionary bridge between the shark and the common ray.
• The Greylag goose is the original farmyard bird and a master of wild survival.
• The Knifefish navigates the dark using a self-generated electric field for constant sensing.

More in Vertebrates · More in Nature · Latest · A–Z · All topics