Anatolian ground squirrel

Spermophilus xanthoprymnus

Called "gelengi" by local people, it lives in colonies of burrows under the steppe and is found almost only in Anatolia.

Where it lives: Steppes of Central and Eastern Anatolia — it lives almost nowhere else
Diet: HerbivoreEats plants
Weight: 200–500 g
Length: 22 cm
Lifespan (wild): 3–5 years

Yaman scale

Drawn side by side with Yaman, to the same scale.

Length7×= 1 Yaman

It would take about 7 of them to match Yaman's height (length 22 cm).

Weight100×= 1 Yaman

It would take about 100 of them to weigh as much as Yaman.

Where does the Anatolian ground squirrel live?: Steppes of Central and Eastern Anatolia — it lives almost nowhere else. In our zoo it lives in the Türkiye zone.
What does the Anatolian ground squirrel eat?: It is a herbivore: it eats plants.
How big does the Anatolian ground squirrel get?: Length: 22 cm. It weighs 200–500 g.
How long does the Anatolian ground squirrel live?: 3–5 years in the wild.
Is the Anatolian ground squirrel endangered?: On the IUCN Red List it is listed as near threatened. Safe for now, but could be at risk soon.

It can spend more than half the year hibernating in its burrow.
When it spots danger, it stands up on its back legs and whistles to warn the others.
It is important food for eagles, hawks and foxes — a key animal of the steppe.

Near threatened. Safe for now, but could be at risk soon.

IUCN Red List