Cliff Chipmunk

activity

Activity patterns. The Cliff Chipmunk is diurnal and mostly terrestrial, but sometimes climbstrees, brush, and cliffs. It is active year-round when the weather is favorable, but enters torpor for short periods when weather is severe.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Habitat. Montane pine forest (Pinus and Picea, Pinaceae), pinyon-juniper woodlands (Pinus; Juniperus, Cupressaceae), oak (Quercus, Fagaceae) woodlands, riparian forests and shrublands. The Cliff Chipmunk is common in rocky areas, with boulders or cliffs.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Average home range is estimated to be ¢. 0 - 9 - 1 - 3 ha. Groups of females sometimes forage together, with vocalizations described as a short “ bark chirps. ” The Cliff Chipmunkis very wary, and when threatened it runs for cover in rock piles and logs. Alarm call is loud, short, and sharp, usually given by an individual standing on its hindlimbs.

Sciuridae

breeding

Breeding. Although males are capable of breeding between January and July, reproductive season occurs between April and June when females are receptive. Gestation is 28 - 31 days; litter size is usually 4 - 6. Young are born between late April and August, emerge from May to September, and are weaned at ¢. 30 days old. Some females are able to produce two litters in the same year, but most females produce only one litter and may not reproduce every year. Nests can be built in underground burrows, trees, rocky crevices, rock or wood piles, and cliffs.

Sciuridae