A New Subspecies of Ground Squirrel (spermophilus Spilosoma) from Tamaulipas, Mexico

A scientific publication produced by the University of Kansas in the early 1960s. This study focuses on the identification and description of a newly recognized subspecies of the spotted ground squirrel found in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The book serves as a crucial addition to the existing taxonomy of ground squirrels in North America. In this publication, Alvarez details his findings based on specimens collected from the coastal plain of eastern Tamaulipas, marking the first record of this subspecies, named ''Spermophilus spilosoma oricolus''. The text includes a comprehensive diagnosis of the new subspecies, distinguishing it from related forms based on anatomical measurements and physical characteristics such as color and cranial dimensions. Additionally, the work discusses the geographic dispersion of the species, suggesting that it reached the mainland from the barrier beach, underscoring its isolated population in the region. The publication is a precise contribution to the field of mammalogy, enriching the understanding of ground squirrel diversity and distribution.