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Photo by David Behmer
Photo Copyright David Behmer
Hopi Chipmunk
Neotamias rufus
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G5
State (S-rank): S4
External links
General information
The Hopi chipmunk, Neotamias rufus, is a common rodent in southeastern Utah. The species also occurs in parts of the other four corners states. Within its range, the species prefers rocky habitats, especially those associated with pinyon-juniper woodlands.
The Hopi chipmunk is an opportunistic feeder, eating seeds, flowers, other vegetation, and insects. The species mates from late February to early March, and young are born about one month later, in early April. Average litter size is five. During hot times of year, Hopi chipmunks are most active during early morning and later afternoon, avoiding the mid-day sun. Most individuals are inactive during the winter months.
Phenology
Activity peaks in morning and late afternoon (Armstrong 1982), especially in summer when avoids midday heat. Seldom above ground mid-November to mid-February (Armstrong 1982).
Species range
Western Colorado, eastern Utah, and northeastern Arizona. Elevations of about 1290-2700 m.
Habitat
Various rocky habitats: woodlands of pinyon-juniper and associated shrubs, rubble slopes, slickrock; may use trees and shrubs for cover; burrows beneath boulders or shrubs (Armstrong 1982). May sometimes use sandy habitats (blackbrush-Indian ricegrass) adjacent to pinyon-juniper or rocky areas. Easily climbs on cliffs and in woody vegetation. Nest sites are associated with piles of broken rock or crevices in solid rock.
Food habits
Diet includes mainly seeds (of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants), also flowers and insects, and, seasonally, small or large amounts of green vegetation; opportunistic, takes advantage of handouts and human food refuse in campgrounds (Armstrong 1982, Wadsworth 1972, Burt and Best 1994).
Ecology
Home range in southeastern Utah was estimated at 0.4-1.3 ha (Wadsworth 1972).
Reproductive characteristics
Southeastern Utah: mates February-March; gestation lasts 30-33 days; young are born during first half of April, above ground in May; average litter size is 5.2 (Wadsworth 1969). Lactating females were captured in late May and early June in southeastern Utah (Armstrong 1982) and in mid-June in southwestern Colorado. Weaning is completed in 6-7 weeks. Sexually mature in 10-11 months; females give birth to their first litter when about one year old (see Burt and Best 1994).
References
- Biotics Database. 2005. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, NatureServe, and the network of Natural Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centers.
