Palmer's Chipmunk

activity

Activity patterns. Palmer’s Chipmunk is terrestrial, diurnal, and active year-round, although activity nearly ceases during winter. Males can forage during winter when weather is mild, though there may still be snow on the ground. A secretive but easily tamed species; males are more aggressive than females. Its vocalization is described as “ chips, ” with 5 - 17 calls per five seconds. Female vocalizations have a higher maximum frequency. Other less common calls are described as “ chucks, ” “ chippering, ” and growls.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Habitat. Forest vegetation at ¢. 2100 - 3600 m, although more common at c. 2400 - 2550 m. Palmer’s Chipmunk is found in association with several members of Pinaceae: white fir — ponderosa pine stands (Abies concolor, Pinus ponderosa), bristlecone pine (P. aristata); it is also found in stands of single leaf pinyon pine (P. monophylla) and Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma, Cupressaceae) and mountain mahogany — manzanita stands (Cercocarpus ledifolius, Rosaceae; Arctostaphylos pungens, Ericaceae). Palmer’s Chipmunk has a preference for rock outcrops, crevices, caves or fallen logs.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.

Sciuridae

breeding

Breeding. Breeding season occurs from April to May, with parturition occurring between May to June. Gestation is estimated to last ¢. 33 days or more, and average litter size is c. 4, with a range of 3 - 6. Availability of free water appears to increase its reproductive success.

Sciuridae