Tamias sibiricus
Siberian chipmunk

Tamias sibiricus is the only member of the genus Tamias found outside North America. It is found naturally in northern Asia from central Russia to China, Korea, and northern Japan. It is also found in eastern Europe as a result of individuals escaping from captivity. ("Siberian Chipmunk", 2009; Weathers, 2006)

Siberian chipmunks live primarily on the forest floor where there is plenty of cover and among rocky outcroppings and in human structures, such as house foundations. They are also excellent climbers. (Weathers, 2006)

Siberian chipmunks are 18 to 25 cm in total length, including a tail that is approximately one third of that length. Body length is 12 to 17 cm. The fur on the back is yellow to brown, with white fur on the chest and belly. There are 5 dark and 4 light colored stripes that runs down the back. Body mass varies with season and availability of food. A typical Siberian chipmunk will weigh 50 to 150g. ("Siberian Chipmunk", 2009)

Siberian chipmunks live for a maximum 2 to 5 years in the wild, and 6 to 10 years in captivity. Several reports of Siberian chipmunks living past 10 years as personal pets have been reported. ("Siberian Chipmunk", 2009)

Siberian chipmunks are active during the day and sleep at night. During the winter months they will enter a period of torpor, waking every few weeks to eat food stored in their burrow. Like other squirrels, they will bury food up to 5 cm deep in soil. Siberian chipmunks are constantly cleaning themselves, starting with the back and ending with the tail. Sometimes one chipmunk will bathe another. (Weathers, 2006)

Home Range

Little information on Tamias sibericus homne range size was readily available. Other Tamias species dig burrows throughout their lives. Towards the end of their lifespan burrows can encompass a 30 square m area with multiple chambers for bedding and food storage. There may even be a latrine that is used during the winter months. Chipmunks empty latrine chambers at the beginning of spring, depositing the waste far from the entrance so as to not attract predators. ("Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus)", 2009)

Siberian chipmunks have 2 vocalizations. The first is a fast "cheep" that sounds a lot like a bird call. This is used when frightened, and lasts only 1/5 of a second. It is often used 3 to 6 times in succession. The second sound is a deep croaking sound. It is unknown what this croak is used for, although it is believed to be related to mating. They may also use visual and scent cues in communication, although this has not been documented.

Siberian chipmunks are omnivores. In the wild their diet consists of seeds and grains, fungi, fruits, vegetables, grains, insects, small birds, and lizards.

Natural predators for Siberian chipmunks include birds of prey, weasels, and cats, although specific predator species are not reported in the literature. These chipmunks are vigilant and agile, escaping to their burrows when threatened. They are also cryptically colored in their forest undergrowth habitats. ("Siberian Chipmunk", 2009)

Siberian chipmunks provide an important food source to their predators. Chipmunks are also important seed distributors due to their buried and forgotten caches. Like other chipmunks, they help to disperse fungal spores, dispersing important forest fungi. Parasite species are not reported for Siberian chipmunks. ("Siberian Chipmunk", 2009)

Siberian chipmunks may occasionally eat crops and damage gardens. Like other mammals, they may carry diseases or host fleas infected with plague. ("Siberian Chipmunk", 2009; Weathers, 2006)

Siberian chipmunks disperse tree and plant seeds and fungal spores that aid in forest regeneration. Siberian chipmunks are occasionally kept as pets and their pelts are sometimes used. They may help to control pests, especially in outbreaks of forest tree pests. ("Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus)", 2009; Danell, Willebrand, and Baskin, 1998; Weathers, 2006)

Siberian chipmunks are considered "least concern" by the IUCN because they are widespread and common throughout their range. There have been no recorded declines in populations.