Anatolian ground squirrel

Description

The Asia Minor ground squirrel (Spermophilus xanthoprymnus),or Anatolian souslik,is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae.It is found in Armenia,Iran,and Turkey.The scientific name roughly translates as "seed-lover with yellow underparts".Like many other ground squirrels,the Asia Minor species has a rounded body and head,with short limbs and tail.Males,at 25 to 29 centimetres (9.8 to 11.4 in) in total length and 235 to 490 grams (8.3 to 17.3 oz) in weight,are noticeably larger than females at 23 to 28 centimetres (9.1 to 11.0 in) and 170 to 410 grams (6.0 to 14.5 oz).The tail is 3 to 6 centimetres (1.2 to 2.4 in) long.The fur is uniform in colour over most of the body,and does not have the darker markings found in neighbouring species such as the European souslik.Asia Minor ground squirrels are typically buff in colour,but may vary from greyish to dark brown.The underside and limbs are somewhat paler than the rest of the body,often being yellowish in colour.The only clear markings are narrow white rings around the eyes,and a white patch on the chin and throat.Females have eight or ten teats,and both sexes possess scent-producing anal glands.