View source for Gray-footed chipmunk

{{Short description|Species of rodent in the family Sciuridae}}
{{Speciesbox
| name = Gray-footed chipmunk
| image = Gray-footed Chipmunk iNaturalist.jpg
| image_caption = Grey-footed chipmunk on fallen logs
| image2 = 
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Cassola, F. |date=2016 |title=''Neotamias canipes'' |volume=2016 |page=e.T21364A22266973 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T21364A22266973.en |access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=David|first1=William B.|last2=Schmidly|first2=David J.|title=Gray-footed Chipmunk|url=http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/tmot1/tamicani.htm|website=The Mammals of Texas - Online Edition|publisher=Texas Tech University|access-date=18 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012205725/http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/tmot1/tamicani.htm|archive-date=12 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| genus = Neotamias
| species = canipes
| authority = ([[Vernon Orlando Bailey|V. O. Bailey]], 1902)
| range_map = Tamias canipes distribution map.png
| synonyms = ''Tamias canipes'' V. O. Bailey, 1902
}}

The '''gray-footed chipmunk''' ('''''Neotamias canipes''''') is a terrestrial and forest-dwelling species of chipmunk and [[rodent]] in the family [[Sciuridae]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=A species account of the Gray-footed chipmunk (Tamias canipes) {{!}} Mammals of Texas {{!}} Natural Science Research Laboratory {{!}} TTU |url=https://www.depts.ttu.edu/nsrl/mammals-of-texas-online-edition/Accounts_Rodentia/Tamias_canipes.php |access-date=2024-02-29 |website=www.depts.ttu.edu}}</ref> It is [[Endemism|endemic]] to [[New Mexico]] and in the [[Davis Mountains|Sierra Diablo]] and [[Guadalupe Mountains]] in the [[Trans-Pecos]] region of [[Texas]] in the [[United States]].<ref name=":5" /><ref name="iucn">{{cite iucn|title=''Neotamias canipes''|page=e.T21364A22266973|author=Cassola, F.|date=2016|volume=2016|access-date=16 November 2021|doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T21364A22266973.en}}</ref> Its natural [[habitat]] are [[Conifer|coniferous forests]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Maysha |first=Mckie |last2=Valerie |first2=Rose |title=Tamias canipes (gray-footed chipmunk) |url=https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tamias_canipes/ |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=Animal Diversity Web |language=en}}</ref> First discovered in 1902,<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Best |first=Troy L. |last2=Bartig |first2=Jarel L. |last3=Burt |first3=Stephanie L. |date=10 December 1992 |title=Mammalian Species: Tamias canipes |url=https://www.science.smith.edu/departments/Biology/VHAYSSEN/msi/pdf/i0076-3519-411-01-0001.pdf |journal=American Society of Mammalogists |issue=411 |pages=1}}</ref> they are distinguished by the unique gray dorsal colouring on the hind feet, hence the common name.<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last=Whitaker |first=John O. |title=National Audubon Society: Field Guide to Mammals of North America |date=2000 |publisher=Alfred A. Knopf |isbn=0-679-44631-1 |location=New York |pages=416}}</ref> They demonstrate [[sexual dimorphism]], and the female is larger than the male.<ref name=":0" />

== Taxonomy ==
The [[Species|species name]] comes from the Latin ''cantitia'', meaning "gray in color", and ''pes'', meaning "foot", and the [[Genus|genus name]] comes from the Greek word ''Tamias'', meaning "a distributor".<ref name=":1" />

''N. canipes'' was formerly considered a [[subspecies]] of ''[[Gray-collared chipmunk|N. cinereicollis]]'', the gray-collared chipmunk, but it was brought to species status in 1960.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=NatureServe Explorer 2.0 |url=https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.101405/Neotamias_canipes |access-date=2024-02-29 |website=explorer.natureserve.org}}</ref>

There are two distinguished subspecies of ''N. canipes'':<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gray-footed Chipmunk: Neotamias canipes (V. Bailey, 1902) |url=https://www.biolib.cz/en/taxon/id35139/ |access-date=2024-02-29 |website=www.biolib.cz}}</ref>

* ''Neotamias canipes canipes'', first distinguished as a subspecies of ''N. canipes'' in 1960,<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Gray-footed Chipmunk: Neotamias canipes (V. Bailey, 1902) |url=https://www.biolib.cz/en/taxon/id1884924/ |access-date=2024-02-29 |website=www.biolib.cz}}</ref> the [[Type (biology)|type locality]] of ''N. canipes'' being ''N. c. canipes''.<ref name=":1" />
* ''Neotamias canipes sacramentoensis'', type locality found in the [[Sacramento Mountains (New Mexico)|Sacramento Mountains]] of [[New Mexico]] at an elevation of 2,743&nbsp;m (9,000&nbsp;ft).<ref name=":1" /> It was first distinguished as a subspecies in 1960.<ref name=":7" /> The distribution range is smaller than that of ''N. c. canipes''. The [[baculum]] has a short [[Corpus cavernosum penis|shaft]] than ''N. c. canipes'' of 3.23&nbsp;mm (0.13&nbsp;in), with a wide base; angle of the shaft and tip between 112 and 121°.<ref name=":1" />

== Description ==
The gray-footed chipmunk is commonly distinguished by the dorsal gray colouration of the hind feet, hence the [[common name]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Tamias canipes (V.Bailey, 1902) |url=https://www.gbif.org/species/2437423 |access-date=2024-02-29 |website=www.gbif.org |language=en}}</ref> [[Fur|Pelage]] is grayish; the lateral sides of the head marked with five brown and four white stripes. Only three brown and two white stripes are found on the lateral sides of the body; there are also black or brown stripes on the back.<ref name=":4" /> The dorsal face of the tail is coloured black, and the underside reddish brown. The [[Abdomen|abdominal]] region of the pelage is white. They are [[Symmetry in biology|bilaterally symmetric]]. [[Snow camouflage|Winter pelage]] bears similarity to summer, with the exception of more gray colour on the dorsal and paler tone on the lateral sides.<ref name=":0" />

Gray-footed chipmunks experience [[sexual dimorphism]], and the female is larger than the male. This is commonly seen in many species of chipmunks.<ref name=":4" />

Because the gray-footed chipmunk physical characteristics vary in different mountain ranges, their weight is commonly between 65 and 75 g (2.3 to 2.65 oz).<ref name=":2" /> In the Sacramento Mountains, the total length varies between 227 and 264&nbsp;mm (8.9 to 10.4 in), hind foot length ranging between 34 and 36&nbsp;mm, and tail length between 91 and 108&nbsp;mm (3.6 to 4.25 in). However, in the [[Guadalupe Mountains]] of [[Texas]] and the White Mountains of New Mexico, total length varies between 210 and 250&nbsp;mm (8.25 to 9.4 in), hind foot length ranging 32 to 35&nbsp;mm (1.25 to 1.4 in), and tail length between 92 and 115&nbsp;mm (3.6 to 4.5 in).<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" />

The [[Dentition|dental formula]] of the gray-footed chipmunk is <math>\frac{1.0.2.3}{1.0.1.3}</math>, meaning they have two [[incisor]]s, no [[Canine tooth|canines]], four [[premolar]]s, and six [[Molar (tooth)|molars]] for the upper teeth. Lower teeth are identical except for only having two premolars. They have 22 teeth in total.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=View BISON-M Species Booklet |url=https://www.bison-m.org/ConfirmBooklet.html?id=050155 |access-date=2024-02-29 |website=www.bison-m.org}}</ref>

The chipmunk has a [[karyotype]] of "A".<ref name=":1" />

== Distribution and habitat ==
[[File:TransPecosTexas.svg|thumb|203x203px|[[Trans-Pecos]] region on [[Texas]] map]]
[[File:Guadalupe Mountains National Park - 45330785225.jpg|thumb|The [[Guadalupe Mountains]] of [[Texas]]|left|199x199px]]
Gray-footed chipmunks are native to the southeastern mountain ranges of [[New Mexico]] such as the [[Sacramento Mountains (New Mexico)|Sacramento]], [[Cibola National Forest|Gallinas]], and [[Jicarilla Mountains|Jicarilla]]. They are also to mountain ranges in Texas such as the [[Guadalupe Mountains|Guadalupe]] in the [[Trans-Pecos|Trans-Pecos region]].<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":0" /> The chipmunks are found primarily at elevations of 1,600 m to 3,600 m (5,250&nbsp;ft to 11,800&nbsp;ft), but have been recorded at lower elevations.<ref name=":0" /> The [[Type (biology)|type locality]] was found in the Guadalupe Mountains, 2,133&nbsp;m (7,000&nbsp;ft) above sea level.<ref name=":1" />

The preferred habitat of the gray-footed chipmunk are [[Conifer|coniferous forests]] with an abundance of [[pine]]s and [[fir]]s, [[Pinyon–juniper woodland|pinyon-juniper woodlands]], and rocky hillsides. For nesting and to avoid [[predation]], they prefer areas with an abundance of fallen trees and rock crevices.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":6" />

The size of the gray-footed chipmunk territory has not been reported, but few species of chipmunks have territories exceeding one hectare (2.47 acres).<ref name=":0" /> It is suspected that the territory of the gray-footed chipmunk ranges from 0.2 to 4.0 hectares (0.5 to 9.9 acres).<ref name=":6" /> It is likely that the chipmunks are territorial and somewhat sedentary.<ref name=":0" />

Global populations of the chipmunk are unknown, however it is thought that the number most likely exceeds 100,000 individuals.<ref name=":2" />

== Diet ==
[[File:Douglas fir cone.jpg|thumb|235x235px|Douglas-fir cones]]
Gray-footed chipmunks are [[Omnivore|omnivorous]], their diet consisting of [[acorn]]s, seeds of [[Douglas fir]], [[Gooseberry|gooseberries]], [[mushroom]]s, [[Juniper berry|juniper berries]], and [[insect]]s.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6" /> In late summer and autumn, gray-footed chipmunks consume primarily acorns for [[hibernation]], but do not usually gain weight. Instead, they rely on caches of acorns and other seeds ([[Fir|Abies]], [[Spruce|Picea]], [[Pine|Pinus]]) to survive the winter.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":3" />

=== Predation ===
Many carnivores including [[northern goshawk]]s are predators to the gray-footed chipmunk, as well as other [[Bird of prey|raptors]].<ref name=":3" /> When threatened, the chipmunk will seek protection in rock crevices and burrows, the colour of its fur allows it to [[camouflage]] somewhat.<ref name=":4" /> They have been found to climb trees to seek protection.<ref name=":0" />

== Breeding ==
Females deliver a litter of around four young annually, between mid-May through August.<ref name=":4" /> Little else is known of their breeding habits; however, they are most likely similar to those of other species of ''Neotamias''. It is likely that they breed [[Polygyny in animals|polygynously]]. After emerging from hibernation, females undergo [[Estrous cycle|estrus]] in the spring. Usually, [[gestation]] lasts for one month. [[Lactation]] typically lasts one to two months, however this varies across ''Neotamias'' species. Males do not provide parental care; the female will raise her young in a burrow or nest until they can survive on their own. In late April, young typically gain their independence and are capable of breeding the following year.<ref name=":0" /> Young are typically mature in early Autumn.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":2" />

== Behaviour ==
The gray-footed chipmunk is [[Diurnality|diurnal]] and is mostly active shortly after dawn, when they feed and forage. The chipmunk is primarily [[Terrestrial animal|terrestrial]], and are generally found in rock crevices and fallen logs.<ref name=":5" /> They tend to seek protection among rock crevices and thick brush, but have also been found to climb trees.<ref name=":2" />

The chipmunks will engage in [[torpor]] during the winter, but unlike most hibernating mammals, they do not gain extra weight to survive the winter and rely on caches of acorns and other seeds to sustain themselves.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":2" /> They are [[Heterothermy|heterothermic]] [[endotherm]]s, meaning that body temperature decreases in the winter during hibernation, and body temperature increases during the summer. They are also [[Homeothermy|homeothermic]] endotherms due to the relative stability of their body temperatures during the winter hibernation and the summer activity.<ref name=":0" />

=== Communication ===
[[Animal communication|Communication]] in gray-footed chipmunks between individuals is achieved through chipping sounds. These sounds are describes as a "chipper" or a "''chuck-chuck-chuck''".<ref name=":4" /> They remain silent when threatened, but they do have an alarm call like a higher pitched "chipper" sound due to the vocalization peaks' short intervals. Not much is known about the chipmunk's body communication, but other members of ''[[Neotamias]]'' communicate via tail and body position.<ref name=":0" />

== See also ==

* ''[[Neotamias]]''
* [[Squirrel|Sciuridae]]
*[[Yellow-pine chipmunk]]
*[[Red-tailed chipmunk]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
<references responsive="1"></references>

== External links ==

* [https://www.depts.ttu.edu/nsrl/mammals-of-texas-online-edition/Accounts_Rodentia/Tamias_canipes.php "A species account of the Gray-footed chipmunk (Tamias canipes)"] | Mammals of Texas | Natural Science Research Laboratory | TTU". ''www.depts.ttu.edu''. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
* Maysha, Mckie; Valerie, Rose. [https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tamias_canipes/ "Tamias canipes (gray-footed chipmunk)"]. ''Animal Diversity Web''. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
* Best, Troy L.; Bartig, Jarel L.; Burt, Stephanie L. (10 December 1992). [https://www.science.smith.edu/departments/Biology/VHAYSSEN/msi/pdf/i0076-3519-411-01-0001.pdf "Mammalian Species: Tamias canipes (PDF)"]. ''American Society of Mammalogists'' (411): 1.
* "[https://www.gbif.org/species/2437423 Tamias canipes (V.Bailey, 1902)"]. ''www.gbif.org''. Retrieved 2024-02-29.

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[[Category:Neotamias]]
[[Category:Endemic rodents of the United States]]
[[Category:Mammals described in 1902]]
[[Category:Taxonomy articles created by Polbot]]