# Xerus (*Xerus inauris*)

> The xerus is an African ground squirrel of dry, open country, known for using its bushy tail as a parasol against the sun. Xerus live in social burrow colonies, eat seeds, roots, and insects, are active by day, and typically live around 6 years in the wild.

- **Category:** Mammal
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Dry savannas, scrub, and semi-deserts across southern and eastern Africa.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/xerus/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Rodentia
- **Family:** Sciuridae
- **Genus:** Xerus

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Xerus inauris |
| Diet | Omnivore (seeds, roots, insects) |
| Habitat | Dry savanna, scrub, and semi-desert |
| Lifespan | Around 6 years in the wild |
| Weight | 500–1,000 g (1.1–2.2 lb) |
| Top speed | Quick, darting runner |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## A built-in sunshade

The xerus, or African ground squirrel, fans its long bushy tail forward over its back and head to create shade in the searing heat of the open plains. This living parasol lets it stay active and forage during the hottest part of the day when few other animals are about.

## Colony life underground

Xerus are highly social and live in groups that share networks of burrows. The burrows offer safety from predators and relief from extreme temperatures, and group members take turns watching for danger, giving sharp alarm calls when a hawk or snake appears.

## Diet and foraging

Xerus are omnivores that eat seeds, bulbs, roots, fruit, and insects. They forage above ground during the day, using cheek pouches and quick digging to gather and store food, and rarely need to drink because they get moisture from their food.

## Range and status

Found across the dry regions of southern and eastern Africa, xerus are common and adaptable, and they are listed as Least Concern. They play a useful role in their ecosystems by aerating soil and providing burrows used by other species.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is a xerus?

A xerus is an African ground squirrel that lives in dry, open habitats and is famous for using its bushy tail as a sunshade.

### Why does a xerus hold its tail over its back?

The xerus fans its tail forward to cast shade over its body, which helps it stay cool and keep foraging during the hottest hours of the day.

### Where do xerus live?

Xerus live across the dry savannas, scrub, and semi-deserts of southern and eastern Africa, in colonies of shared burrows.

### What do xerus eat?

Xerus are omnivores that eat seeds, roots, bulbs, fruit, and insects, gathering food during the day and getting most of their water from what they eat.

### Are xerus endangered?

No. The xerus is common and adaptable and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

## Sources

- [IUCN Red List — Xerus inauris.](https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Xerus%20inauris&searchType=species)
- [Animal Diversity Web — Xerus inauris. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Xerus_inauris/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/xerus/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.