Mongolian squirrel (Spermophilus dauricus):

History and Distribution: Mongolian squirrel, also known as Mongolian soson or steppe squirrel, is a species of upland squirrel found in the steppes and semi-desert regions of Central Asia. Its distribution extends through Mongolia, China, Russia and parts of Kazakhstan.

Physical Description: The Mongolian squirrel is medium in size and has a robust appearance. Its fur is earthy in tones, with a mixture of brown, gray and beige. They have a compact body, short legs and a tail of moderate length. The tail is densely hairy and is often arched over the body. These squirrels have developed expandable cheeks to carry food.

Behavior and Habits: Mongolian squirrels are diurnal animals and are known for their social behavior. They live in colonies and are very active during the day, looking for food and monitoring their environment. In addition to digging burrows for shelter, they also use these structures to store food and raise their young.

Diet: The Mongolian squirrel diet consists mainly of seeds, fruits, vegetables, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. Their ability to store food in their burrows is essential to their survival in the steppes, where resources can be scarce.

Reproduction and Parenting: Breeding season usually occurs in the spring and summer. Females give birth to litters that can vary in size, usually 5 to 10 young. The young are born blind and naked, and are completely dependent on the mother for their care and feeding.

Care in Captivity: Mongolian squirrels are wild animals and as such are neither common pets nor recommended for captivity. They have specific needs and their social and territorial behavior can be difficult to manage in unnatural environments.

Trivia:

• The Mongolian squirrel is known for its "chirp" behavior to communicate with other members of the colony about the presence of predators.
• They are excellent bulldozers and build intricate networks of burrows to ward off the weather and predators.

Colors and Variations: The Mongolian squirrel's fur is predominantly brown, gray and beige in shades, providing it with effective camouflage in its steppe environment.

In short, the Mongolian squirrel is a species adapted to life in the steppes and semi-desert regions of Central Asia. Its social behavior, excavation skills and adaptations to the environment make this squirrel a fascinating part of the ecosystems in which it lives. However, due to their wild nature, they must be respected and protected in their natural habitat.