
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0
Sciurotamias davidianus
Diet
Seeds, acorns and other nuts
Habitat
Rocky cliffs, canyon walls and burrows beneath rocks
Range
Central and eastern China
Litter size
Approximately 3
Size
34.6–36cm including tail
Weight
Approximately 260g
Père David's rock squirrel is an olive-grey or brownish terrestrial squirrel with pale underparts, distinctive light eye-rings and dark cheek patches. It possesses internal cheek pouches and notably hairy soles. Males are slightly larger than females. Adults measure approximately 34.6–36cm including the tail and weigh around 260g, giving them a more robust appearance than the small arboreal striped squirrels. (Animal Diversity Web)
This squirrel is endemic to central and eastern China, where it occupies cliffs, canyon walls and other rocky country. Burrows beneath rocks provide refuge and storage space. The species is active by day, rarely climbs trees and does not hibernate. It feeds principally on seeds and acorns, rapidly caching food near its source before moving individual stores closer to its burrow. Litters contain approximately three young. (Animal Diversity Web)