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Images attached to GBIF records (field photographs), from . Open licences; click for the record.
Alpine Chipmunk
Tamias alpinus Merriam, 1893
First described in: Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. vol.8 p.137
The alpine chipmunk (Neotamias alpinus) is a species of chipmunk native to the high elevations of the Sierra Nevada of California. No significant threats to the species are known.
Descriptions from checklists and floras indexed by GBIF
activity
Activity patterns. The Alpine Chipmunk is diurnal, and spends a considerable amount of time in rocky areas, which may allow a quick and efficient escape from predators. It is reported to enter hibernacula in late October and emerge in June, when its habitat is still covered in snow. This early emergence allows time for territorial establishment and subsequent foraging during the short growing season in its habitat.
Sciuridae
biology_ecology
Habitat. Elevations of ¢. 2300 - 3900 m, primarily in alpine biotic zone but also Hudsonian and Canadian biotic zones. The Alpine Chipmunk is a highly insular species, whose prevalence and occurrence probably depends on the physical structure ofits habitat, which consists primarily of meadows, talus slopes, boulderfields, open stands of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta, Pinaceae), and small patches of whitebark pine (P. albicaulis). Habitat is generally xeric, as it is exposed to full sun, but maximum daily temperatures do not exceed 20 ° C.
Sciuridae
biology_ecology
Movements, Home range and Social organization. Distribution of the Alpine Chipmunk overlaps with those of five other Tamas species, but only the Lodgepole Chipmunk is fully sympatric with the Alpine Chipmunk. It is territorial, and performs variable aggressive displays toward conspecifics, including vertical tail displays and vocalizations described as high-pitched calls, lower-pitched “ chucks ” and “ chips. ” Distribution of the Alpine Chipmunk is limited at lower elevations by territorial exclusion by the larger Lodgepole Chipmunk, which is reported to be more aggressive, more successful in territorial disputes in the wild, and more efficient at foraging in dense vegetation where the two species are sympatric. However, the Alpine Chipmunk in captivity appears more aggressive and dominant over the Lodgepole Chipmunk, which suggests that the outcome of aggressive encounters in the wild is partially influenced by habitat structure.
Sciuridae
breeding
Breeding. Breeding occurs in early summer, with young becoming active by late July to early August, and reaching adult size by October. Litter size appears to be 4 - 5 young.
Sciuridae
From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA), quoted section by section
Description
Alpine chipmunks share the typical pattern of genus Neotamias, being gray-brown overall and featuring three white stripes on the cheeks and four down the back. The flanks are muted orange. They weigh 27-45 grams and grow from 166 to 203 mm. Overall the alpine chipmunk is much paler and smaller compared to others in its genus. Their typical lifespan in the wild is up to 2-3 years.
Range & habitat
Alpine chipmunks only live in high Sierra Nevada, from Yosemite National Park in the north, to Olancha Peak in the south. They have been observed at altitudes from around 2,300 meters (7,500 ft) to 3,900 meters (12,800 ft), though they rarely occur below 2,500 meters (8,200 ft). They primarily inhabit the talus slopes and sub-alpine forests, where there is a large accumulation of loose, rocky debris. During the summer, where the high-elevation environment becomes increasingly arid and warm, the alpine chipmunk utilize these rocks by retreating into the cool, deep crevices of boulders to regulate their body temperature.
What it does
The alpine chipmunk feeds on the seeds of sedges, grasses, and other plants in their namesake alpine zone. Some examples are the bitter cherry (Prunus emarginata), currant (Ribes), blueberries and huckleberries (Vaccinium), and their most common source of food, pussy-paws (Spraguea umbellate). The alpine chipmunk conserves their water by concentrating their urine, so they do not generally require a source of water other than food, but will use it given the opportunity. When food is scarce, intraspecific competition is observed to take place.
Where it has been recorded
Recorded sightings
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geo-referenced records in GBIF, from museums, herbaria and field observers.
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In the stacks
Searching the stacks…
Every page naming Tamias alpinus in the Biodiversity Heritage Library →
From the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy and occurrence records (GBIF.org), with Wikipedia and the Source Library. GBIF species 2437442.