Mohave Ground Squirrel

Xerospermophilus mohavensis

Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Sciuridae

The Mohave ground squirrel, a species listed as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act, is a small day-active rodent endemic to the western Mojave Desert of California. It has one of the smallest geographic ranges of any North American ground squirrel and spends much of the year in underground burrows to avoid the harsh conditions of its desert environment.

2019 Mohave Ground Squirrel Conservation Strategy

CDFW has been engaged in conservation planning for the Mohave ground squirrel since it was listed as Rare in 1971; however, with recent emphasis on development of large-scale renewable energy facilities in California’s desert came recognition that such development could pose additional risks to the species.

The Mohave Ground Squirrel Conservation Strategy (PDF) is CDFW’s policy for conservation and management of the species. It can be used to help guide renewable energy and other development projects, serve as a reference in the environmental review process, and help prioritize funding for research projects. The document may also be used as the foundation for recovery planning for the species. Under newly enacted state law, CDFW may prepare recovery plans for listed species if funding is available.