Population: InKazakhstan, long-tailed ground squirrels are numerous in the highlands, abovespruce forests, in juniper and alpine meadows. In the most populated areas,there are up to 15-20 individuals per hectare, and the density of burrows isabout 150-200 per hectare. The number is decreasing near the borders of theforest and the snow line.Thus, they aremost abundant in narrow strips or isolated areas at different elevations.
Status: Non-endangered and non-game species, but with ecological andcultural significance.
Habitat:The long-tailed ground squirrel is widespread in the Southern Altai, inhabitingrivervalleys near settlements such as Katonkaragai, Sarybel, Markakol andUst-Kamenogorsk. To the south, it can be found in the villages of Terektyand Akbulak.The northern borderof its range is Sekisovka. In the Dzungarian Alatau, the ground squirrelinhabits high-altitude areas, including the upper reaches of the Koksu, Aksu,Bolshoy and Maly Baskanov, Sarkand and Lepsy rivers, as well as Kenuzen,Sarymsakty, and others tracts. On Altyn-Emel, it is found in the Koyandytaumountains. It isnot found in Tarbagatai and Saura.
