The marmotini tribe is a taxonomic sub-classification of Sciuridae, or the squirrel family. Though being classified as a ‘squirrel’ might make marmotini sound generic, it is composed of a number of interesting and diverse species across the world.
1. Himalayan Marmot
Take the Himalayan marmot, a puffy-faced mountaineer who habituates the harsh climate of its namesake. They escape the elements in networked burrows, and with enough food can grow to a fluffy nine kilograms. A far cry from the more skittish members of its family, Himalayan Marmots have been known to eat seeds, fruit, or fresh flowers out of the hands of people.
2. Cliff Chipmunk
Far less chubby but significantly more voracious are the cliff chipmunks endemic to mountainous regions of Mexico and the western United States. Though they do not possess an instinct to gain weight in preparation for cold winter months, they are known to feed on not just the typical fruits and seeds, but also reptiles, birds, and amphibians.
3. Harris’ Antelope Squirrel
Not to be outdone as survivalists, Harris’ antelope squirrels live above ground in the deserts of the United States and Mexico. They do not hibernate, foraging outside their burrows even in the heat of midday sun, using their tails to provide shade and spreading their limbs on their backs in cool areas to vent body heat. Born loners, their species only congregates to mate.
4. Gunnison’s Prairie Dog
A testament to their diversity, members of the marmotini tribe can also be far more social than your average Sciuridae member. Gunnison’s prairie dog makes its home with hundreds of others of its species, embedding itself off into specific social groups with fixed burrow occupancy. Emerging from their burrows, they use eyes situated on the sides of their head to get a wide view of their surroundings. If comfortable, they will socialize with others of their kind or forage for food.
5. Woodchuck
Perhaps the most famous species of the marmotini is the woodchuck, or groundhog. It typically spends its time storing fat for long periods of hibernation in which its body’s metabolism slows to a crawl. This especially useful in some of its harshest habitats, most notably Alaska.
Featured Image from Kayla Kozlowski/Unsplash
