What kind of animal is a chipmunk? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. Chipmunks, which are basically pets like dogs and cats, are small mammals, and many people start keeping them. I will explain the whole story, including what kind of personality a chipmunk has and what kind of ecology it is.
What is a chipmunk? About basic status
Chipmunks are mammals classified in the genus Chipmunk, in the order Mammalia, order Rodentia, family Squirrel. The scientific name is Tamias and the kanji is striped chestnut rat. The body length is 12-19cm and the weight is 70-120g. Tail length 8-11.5cm. A list of basic information is below.
| Japanese（和名） | シマリス |
| English（英名） | Chipmunk |
| scientific name(学名) | Tamias |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Rodent、 Sciuridae、Tamias 哺乳綱、ネズミ目、リス科、シマリス属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 12-19cm |
| Weight（体重） | 70-120g |
About classification
There are several subspecies of chipmunks, including: The following is a quote from Wikipedia.
- シマリス（シベリアシマリス）Tamias sibiricus
- チョウセンシマリス Tamias sibiricus barberi
- エゾシマリス Tamias sibiricus lineatus
- トウブシマリス Tamias striatus
- タカネシマリス Tamias alpinus
- キマツシマリス Tamias amoenus
- ブラーシマリス Tamias bulleri
- ハイアシシマリス Tamias canipes
- クビワシマリス Tamias cinereicollis
- デュランゴシマリス Tamias durangae
- ガケシマリス Tamias dorsalis
- メリアムシマリス Tamias merriami
- チビシマリス Tamias minimus
- ススイロシマリス Tamias obscures
- レッドウッドシマリス Tamias ochrogenys
- パルマーシマリス Tamias palmeri
- パナミントシマリス Tamias panamintinus
- ミミナガシマリス Tamias quadrimaculatus
- コロラドシマリス Tamias quadrivittatus
- アカオシマリス Tamias ruficaudus
- アカシマリス Tamias rufus
- シエラネバダシマリス Tamias senex
- クレーターレークシマリス Tamias siskiyou
- ソノマシマリス Tamias sonomae
- サンバーナディーノシマリス Tamias speciosus
- タウンゼンドシマリス Tamias townsendii
- ユインタシマリス Tamias umbrinus
About habitat
Most chipmunks live in North America, but many also live in Eurasia.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The chipmunk is a small squirrel with stripes on the back of its body and face, and has cheek pouches. They have cheek pouches on the inside of their cheeks, and are known to pack a lot of food, such as nuts, and carry them to their burrows. This squirrel is diurnal and prefers to live alone. They often build nests in tree cavities or underground, where they live. It is said that people sleep an average of 15 hours a day.
What is your personality like?
Chipmunks are very curious. Therefore, I try my hand at things that interest me. However, on the other hand, it is an animal with many external enemies, so it has a rough temper. They may bite, so be careful when handling them.
What is the ecology like?
Chipmunks are omnivorous, eating mostly seeds, nuts, fruits, and buds. They often climb trees to get the nuts, and they also eat plants in farmlands and gardens, making them easy to become pests. Chipmunks breed twice a year, in early spring and early summer. They can give birth to one baby at a time. Lifespan is 5 to 10 years.
Are there any natural enemies?
Natural enemies include birds of prey, mustelids, foxes, and snakes.
Are chipmunks an endangered species?
Are chipmunks an endangered species? That being said, that is not currently the case. The population is stable and distributed all over the world.
Can chipmunks be kept as pets?
Can chipmunks be kept as pets? Chipmunks are available through common pet stores.
What is the selling price?
The market price is 7,000 yen to 10,000 yen. If the item is rare, the price can be several times higher. Some shops have different prices for males and females.
cage required
Chipmunks are semi-arboreal and require a lot of exercise, so they need a spacious cage. They will also escape from the house if there is no cage. Please also prepare flooring materials. We recommend using natural materials such as wood chips and grass.
Toilet/Toilet sand
Toilets and litter are also required. Deodorant sand made specifically for small animals is preferable.
birdhouse
A hive is a must. Chipmunks tend to live in nests. I need a safe haven. Chipmunks hibernate when it gets cold, so make sure you have warm gear as well.
pet food
Feed your squirrel or hamster food specifically for squirrels and hamsters. You will also need a water bottle. It is easy to use one that can be fixed to the cage.
perch
You will also need a perch. Chipmunks have a habit of chewing on wood to sharpen their ever-growing teeth. Commercially available gnawing wood is recommended.
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