Tamias alpinus
alpine chipmunk

Alpine chipmunks (Tamias alpinus) are found exclusively in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of eastern and central California. They are found primarily at altitudes ranging from 2,300 to 3,900 m. Alpine chipmunks have the highest altitude range of any species in the genus Tamias. (Clawson, Clawson, and Best, 1994)

Tamias alpinus is found mostly in the talus slopes and sub-alpine forests at elevations from 2,300 m all the way up to the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Talus slopes can be best described as slopes formed by an accumulation of rocky debris. Alpine chipmunks can also found among scattered boulders amongst lodgepole pines (Pinus contorta). The habitat of this species does include some pine forests, but studies have shown that T. alpinus does not spend a significant amount of time foraging there. As summer drags on, this high elevation climate tends to become quite arid, and maximum daily temperatures rarely exceed 20 degrees Celsius. In the rare instances when the temperature does climb above that mark, T. alpinus seeks the refuge of deep crevices of rocks and boulders, which seems to be important for thermoregulation. The air is generally still among the rocks and cliffs despite typically breezy conditions found at higher elevations. (Clawson, Clawson, and Best, 1994)

Tamias alpinus is a small chipmunk compared to others in the genus. It is generally a yellowish-gray color with lightly contrasting stripes that give it an overall pale coloration. The overall coloration helps the animals to hide among the gray rocks found in their habitat. The dark side stripes are either reddish or brownish, but are never black. However, the dark stripe that is found down the middle of the back may be black. The ventrum is typically bright orange, a coloration which continues down the underside of the tail. The upper portion of the tail is grayish-white to yellow.

The average length of an adult is 166 to 203 mm. Tail length is 63 to 85 mm. An average adult will typically weigh 28 to 50 grams. Some similar species include least chipmunks, which have a longer tail that is grayish to yellow. Also yellow-pine chipmunks, which are larger and more brightly colored. Finally, lodgepole chipmunks, which are larger and much more brown in color than the alpine chipmunk. (Clawson, Clawson, and Best, 1994; Whitaker, 1998)

Tamias alpinus typically lives about 2 to 3 years in the wild. (Clawson, Clawson, and Best, 1994)

Tamias alpinus is primarily a diurnal species that forages in open areas, mostly talus slopes. Though they are almost exclusively terrestrial, they may climb trees as well. They are very agile mammals, as seen when a pair will chase each other at full speed over logs and down through rock crevices and ledges. Intraspecific competition does take place over food, especially when it is scarce. Alpine chipmunks remain active usually until about mid-October, when they start to go into hibernation. They hibernate typically from October through late May or into early June. In late summer they put on a great deal of fat in preperation for hibernation. Cached food is eaten during frequent arousals during hibernation, which are seperated by periods of torpor, lasting up to a several days. (Clawson, Clawson, and Best, 1994; Harris, 1999)

Home Range

The home range size for these animals has not been reported.

The call of T. alpinus is a thin, high pitched, repeated, sweet sound. When frightened, these animals will utter a startled whipper as it runs to shelter or safety. (Clawson, Clawson, and Best, 1994)

The diet of T. alpinus primarily consists of the small seeds of sedges and other alpine plants such as forbs, grasses, berries, and even some fungi. Some examples include bitter cherry (Prunus emarginata), currant (Ribes), blueberries and huckleberries (Vaccinium) and pussy-paws (Spraguea umbellate). Pussy-paws seem one of the most preferred foods of T. alpinus. They also eat the seeds of pines. There is some evidence that they will eat the eggs of the Rosy finch and White-crowned sparrow. They are able to conserve water by concentrating urine, and probably do not require a source of water other than the food they eat. They do store food in caches for use during the cold winter months when they awake from hibernation. (Clawson, Clawson, and Best, 1994; Harris, 1999)

Predation seems to be rather light because the rocky habitat provides quick escape routes and refuges. The lack of tree cover means that aerial predators such as raptors can be spotted at a considerable distance, increasing the chances of escaping the predator. The little predation that does occur is done so primarily by raptors, weasels, coyotes, foxes and bobcats. (Clawson, Clawson, and Best, 1994)

As a prey species, these chipmunks probably have some effect on predator populations. Because of their seed caching behavior, these animals probably help to dispurse seeds of some plants.

There are no known adverse affects of T. alpinus on humans.

No known benefits to humans.

Alpine chipmunks are not listed by CITES or IUCN. (Clawson, Clawson, and Best, 1994)