Snake River Plains Ground Squirrel

The Snake River Plains ground squirrel is a small-to-medium-bodied, fossorial ground squirrel within the small-eared group. Members of this group are characterized by pale coloration and adaptations to arid, desert-dwelling environments. Cranial morphology shows differentiation between the two subspecies : U. i. idahoensis is generally larger-bodied with a more robust cranium and dentition, while U. i. artemesiae is relatively smaller with a more slender cranium. Like other small-eared Urocitellus, it is an obligate heterotherm, hibernating through winter and estivating in summer.

This species is endemic to Idaho, United States. Its range is entirely north of the east-west flowing Snake River, which forms the southern boundary separating it from the Piute ground squirrel. The species inhabits the sagebrush-steppe habitats of the Snake River Plain. Its maximal range area is approximately 29,700 km² across 22 counties, but its distribution within this area is highly discontinuous.

== References ==