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Siberian Chipmunk, Tamias sibiricus . Alert Species Please report any sightings as soon as possible. Overview Short description of Tamias sibiricus, Siberian Chipmunk Author's name: Chipmunks are small, brown members of the squirrel family, less than 25 cm in total length, with a bold pattern of pale stripes across the face and along the back. There are more than 20 species, but the Siberian chipmunk is the only one commonly kept as a pet in GB. John Marchant Last updated: March 23rd, 2012 We try to keep these factsheets up to date, however if you notice any issues please contact us Description of Tamias sibiricus, Siberian Chipmunk status in GB Chipmunks, probably mostly this species (the Siberian chipmunk), are occasionally reported in GB as single or multiple escapes from captivity. No breeding has been reported. H a b i t a t s u m m a r y : Tamias sibiricus, Siberian Chipmunk Chipmunks inhabit coniferous and mixed boreal and temperate forests with a rich undergrowth of berry-bearing shrubs, as well as steppe and open areas. They often occur also in parks, gardens and cemeteries. Overview table Environment: Terrestrial Species status: Non-Native Native range: Siberia, Russian Far East, China, Mongolia, Kazan-retto, Nansei-shoto, Ogasawara-shoto, North Korea, Kazakhstan, Russia Central, Russia East, Russia North, Russia Northwest, Russia South Functional type: Herbivore Status in England: Non-Native Status in Scotland: Non-Native Status in Wales: Non-Native Location of first record: ? Date of first record: 2004 Invasion history: Tamias sibiricus, S i b e r i a n Chipmunk Origin The native range extends throughout the Eurasian taiga zone, from Finland and westernmost Russia (Karelia) eastwards to eastern Siberia, Japan and eastern China. First Record Escapes and releases are known to have been occurring in GB since at least 1999, when one was found in Yorkshire. Although most have been quickly recaptured or killed, some animals have remained at large for several months. Pathway and Method Chipmunks are commonly imported to Britain for the pet trade, and some may escape or be deliberately released. Releases due to vandalism have included 70 animals in Berkshire in 2005 and 20 in Sussex in 2009. Species Status Introduced populations exist in Belgium (four populations, one with 18,000 animals in 2000), the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France (ten populations), Italy (three populations) and Austria. At least in the main Belgian site there may be a negative impact on ground-nesting birds. Ecology & Habitat: Tamias sibiricus, S i b e r i a n Chipmunk Dispersal Mechanisms Data from France indicate that populations spread relatively slowly, at rates of 200–250 metres per year, at least in the first decades after introduction. The related American species is known to cross open areas up to 400 m wide and to use hedgerows as corridors linking more distant patches of habitat. Reproduction Breeding is normally in spring, after hibernation. Chipmunks live in simple shallow burrows underground. Burrows may be up to 9 metres long and have chambers for nesting, larder and defecation. Known Predators/Herbivores Several chipmunks have been caught by domestic cats and trained hawks in GB, and may be particularly susceptible to predation in this country. Wild raptors, owls and foxes may also be significant predators. Resistant Stages Within the natural range, Siberian chipmunks hibernate from autumn until early spring. Animals living in warmer climates may remain active for most of the year, entering a torpid state during unfavourable winter weather. Habitat Occupied in GB There are believed to be no Siberian chipmunks living wild in GB. Distribution: Tamias sibiricus, Siberian Chipmunk This species occurs in its native range from the coast up into mountains, as far as the tree line. No introduced populations exist in GB but the species thrives at similar latitudes on the near Continent. I m p a c t s : Tamias sibiricus, Siberian Chipmunk Environmental Impact In the largest non-native population, in Belgium, predation by chipmunks may be significant for ground-nesting birds. They may compete with small native woodland mammals, such as red squirrel, wood mouse and bank vole. Health and Social Impact Chipmunks may be vectors of various diseases and parasites, including rabies and Lyme disease, but pose no particular threat to public health. Damage to gardens occurs in urban and suburban areas. Economic Impact In Russia, chipmunks consume around half the production of forest nuts. They can cause serious economic damage to grain fields and to orchards. References & Links: Tamias sibiricus, S i b e r i a n Chipmunk Identification Harris, S. & Yalden, D.W. (2008) Mammals of the British Isles: Handbook. Fourth edition. The Mammal Society, Southampton. Biology, ecology, spread, vectors Bertolino, S., Currado, I., Mazzoglio, P.J. & Amori, G. (2000) Native and Alien Squirrels in Italy. Hystrix, 1 1, 49–58. Chapuis, J.-L. (2005) Répartition en France d’un animal de compagnie naturalisé, le Tamia de Sibérie ( Tamias sibiricus). Revue d'Ecologie la Terre et la Vie, 6 0, 239–253. Verbeyen, G. (2001) Investigation of the Asian chipmunk in De Panne (Belgium). Summary of project on www.squirrelweb.co.uk/articles/aliens Management and impact Forstmeier, W. & Weiss, I. (2002) Effects of nest predation in the Siberian chipmunk on success of the dusky warbler breeding (Abstract). Zoologicheskii Zhurnal, 8 1, 1367–1370. Wittenberg, R. (ed) (2005) An inventory of alien species and their threat to biodiversity and economy in Switzerland. CABI Bioscience Switzerland Centre report to the Swiss Agency for Environment, Forests and Landscape. General Long, J.L. (2003) Introduced mammals of the world: their history, distribution, and influence. CABI & CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria. Mitchell-Jones, A.J., Amori, G., Bogdanowicz, W., Kryštufek, B., Reijnders, P.J.H., Spitzenberger, F., Stubbe, M., Thissen, J.B.M., Vohralík, V. & Zima, J. (1999) The Atlas of European Mammals. T. & A.D. Poyser, London. Tsytsulina, K., Formozov, N., Shar, S., Lkhagvasuren, D. & Sheftel, B. (2008) Tamias sibiricus. In IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. < www.iucnredlist.org> .