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Tamias sibiricus subspp.

Basic information
Scientific name Tamias sibiricus subspp.

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シマリス
Common names Siberian chipmunk
Higher taxon Sciuridae, Rodentia, Mammalia
Natural range Almost part of Russia, Sakhalin, Kurile Islands, N Kazakhstan, N Mongolia, NE China, Korean Peninsula. In Japan, Hokkaido and peripheral islands. The Hokkaido population is a subspecies T. s. lineatus.
Habitat Various forest from coast to alpine zone, and open microhabitats around forests.
Invasion information
Range in Japan Subspecies T. s. barberi is naturalized in Niigata, Yamanashi, and Gifu Prefs. There are records of release in Hokkaido (native range of another subspecies). Range in Japan
Origin Unknown.
Date 1970s.
Route Deliberate introduction (As pet, and for zoo. Released in Hokkaido University Botanical garden).
Impact Competition, hybridization against native squirrels (T. s. lineatus in Hokkaido, Sciurus lis in other region).
Native organism(s) affected: Native squirrels (T. s. lineatus and Sciurus lis).
Regulation in Japan Legally designated as game animal (except in Hokkaido). Hunting of this species is prohibited in Hokkaido.
Introduced range in other countries Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
Reference Notes
  • Abe et al. (1994) A Pictorial Guide to the Mammals of Japan. Tokai University Press, Tokyo. (in Jpn)
  • DECO (ed) (2006) Dictionary of Alien Species. Tokyo-Shoseki. (in Jpn)
  • Long (2003) Introduced mammals of the world: their history, distribution, and influence. CABI Publishing.
  • Ecol Soc Japan (ed) (2002) Handbook of Alien Species in Japan. Chijin-Shokan. (in Jpn)
  • Ohdachi et al. (eds) (2009) The Wild Mammals of Japan. Shoukabou, Kyoto.
  • JWRC (ed) (2008) A Photographic Guide to the Invasive Alien Species in Japan. Heibonsha. (in Jpn)