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The Cape Ground Squirrel (Xerus inauris) is found in most of the drier parts of southern Africa from South Africa, through to Botswana, and into Namibia, especially in the Kalahari. These cute animals are identifiable by their white stripes along the sides, the missing external ear and the long, bushy tail, which offers them shade.

These rodents differ from the European squirrel in that they don't climb trees, but live on the ground and in their widespread underground caves. They feed on grass seeds, leaves and roots. Ground squirrels are constant companions in the rest camps of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Because they are often fed by visitors, they can become a nuisance.This image was taken in one of the colonies in Piper Pan in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana.

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