Least Chipmunk - Tamias minimus
Least Chipmunk - Tamias minimus
Global Rank:
G5
State Rank:
S4
Agency Status
USFWS:
none
USFS:
none
BLM:
none
CFWCS Tier:
3
General Description
The information for this species is not complete. We hope to have it available soon.
Distribution
Montana Range
Migration
Non-migratory.
Habitat
Only chipmunk found regularly in sagebrush area of E. and SW MT. Also found in brushy grasslands, coniferous forests, alpine tundra, and timberline krummholz. Habitat preference influenced by sympatric chipmunk species (Hoffmann and Pattie 1968).
Food Habits
Seeds and berries. Uses berry pits, seeds of grasses, sedges, and weeds. Stores food. Also uses invertebrates.
Ecology
T. minimus ordinarily inhabits lower elev, drier habitats than T. amoenus or T. ruficaudus. However, in Glacier N.P. area, T. minimus occupies the alpine and T. ruficaudus and T. amoenus occur at lower elevations.
Reproductive Characteristics
Breeds soon after emergence. Young are independent within 2 months. (Jones et al. 1983).
Citations & Sources