Siberian Chipmunk

activity

Activity patterns. The Siberian Chipmunk is diurnal and terrestrial, but climbs well and sometimes builds nests in tree stumps or logs. Its burrows are simple, shallow, and are used mostly as nests and larders to store food. Structure of the burrow changes during the hibernation period. Early in hibernation, the burrow has only one nest chamber with the entrance closed by a plug. Later in hibernation, it digs one or two secondary chambers and further blocks the entrance tunnel. In spring, it digs a new exit tunnel and fills in secondary chambers. Females are the first to begin hibernation, followed by males and then juveniles. Burrows are used by an individual or can be shared between a mother and her young.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Habitat. Mostly boreal coniferous forests throughout its distribution, primarily utilizing Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica, Pinaceae) and mixed stands. In Japan, it is reported in forests dominated by oaks (Quercus, Fagaceae).

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. The Siberian Chipmunk is not territorial, but home ranges of males tend to overlap more with home ranges of females than with other males. Home ranges within an introduced population in France were estimated to be 1 - 9 ha and 0 - 76 ha for males and females, respectively, with more than 80 % overlap and considerable site fidelity over two years.

Sciuridae

breeding

Breeding. Female Siberian Chipmunks enter estrus for a single day, shortly after emerging from hibernation — between April and June depending on geographic location. During estrus they emit three distinctive reproductive calls. One of these calls is used to advertise reproductive status, but all three are used during courtship. After a gestation of 30 - 31 days, the female gives birth to a litter of 1 - 8 young, with an average of 4 - 4 in captivity and 4 - 6 in the wild in Japan. Only one litter is produced yearly, but in captivity Siberian Chipmunks can produce a second litter in a year. Young are weaned at ¢. 28 - 30 weeks and reach sexual maturity at c. 1 year.

Sciuridae