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Which animals belong to the squirrel family Sciuridae?
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squirrel
Overview of food-burying behaviour in squirrels.
The family Sciuridae is a diverse group of rodents that includes more than 270 species across 51 genera. While the term "squirrel" is often associated specifically with tree-dwelling species, the family encompasses a wide variety of small to medium-sized mammals.123
Animals belonging to the family Sciuridae include:
- Tree squirrels: The most recognizable members, comprising 122 species across 22 genera.1
- Ground squirrels: A group that includes various species such as the suslik.14
- Flying squirrels: Members of the subfamily Pteromyinae, consisting of 42 species in 15 genera.1
- Chipmunks: Small, striped rodents belonging to the genus Tamias.14
- Marmots: Large ground-dwelling squirrels, including the groundhog (Marmota monax).14
- Prairie dogs: Social, burrowing rodents of the genus Cynomys.14
- Asian rock squirrels: A smaller group within the family.1
These animals are found worldwide in a variety of ecological niches, ranging from tropical rainforests to boreal forests.1