Baja California rock squirrel

Baja California rock squirrel
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Sciuridae
Genus: Otospermophilus
Species:
O. atricapillus
Binomial name
Otospermophilus atricapillus
(W. E. Bryant, 1889)
Synonyms

Spermophilus atricapillus W. E. Bryant, 1889

The Baja California rock squirrel (Otospermophilus atricapillus) is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae. It is endemic to Baja California, Mexico.Otospermophilus atricapillus is considered as the sister species of Otospermophilus beecheyi and both have been considered different species mainly by its colorations. The rock squirrel is a relatively large ground squirrel, with males typically larger than females. Their fur is generally gray with a mottled or variegated pattern, giving them a distinctive appearance. Their tails are long and bushy, often used for balance and communication. Their heads are broad with small, rounded ears and large, expressive eyes.