You’ll spot small, bold rodents all over Fuerteventura. At first glance, they look like chipmunks, but they actually came from North Africa. Barbary ground squirrels—an introduced species—now live all across the island and often run right up to people hoping for food.
Curious about where they came from, how they act, and why officials worry about them? This post covers what you should watch for and where you’ll likely find them.
You’ll get tips on safe interaction, why they thrive here, and how their presence shakes up the local plants and wildlife.
The Barbary Ground Squirrels of Fuerteventura
Let’s dig into where these squirrels came from, what they look like, and how they’re different from other species.
Their formal names and classification get a quick mention too.
The details here focus on the animals you’ll see all over Fuerteventura and what makes them stand out.
Origin and Introduction to the Island
In 1965, a few Barbary ground squirrels showed up on Fuerteventura. People brought them from North Africa—mainly Morocco and parts of Algeria—as pets or maybe they just hitched a ride.
They spread fast because the island’s dry, rocky land feels just like home for them.
Now you can spot them on beaches, along trails, and even in towns. They eat seeds, fruits, and plants, which helped them multiply.
Want more background? Check out their introduction to Fuerteventura.
Physical Characteristics of the Squirrels
Barbary ground squirrels are pretty small—about 16 to 22 cm long, not counting the tail. They weigh up to 350 grams or so.
Their fur goes from greyish-brown to reddish-brown, with a bold white stripe on each side.
Their tails look bushy, with grey and black bands. You’ll see they have short, wiry hair and a lighter belly.
These features make them easy to tell apart from tree squirrels you might know from elsewhere.
Barbary Ground Squirrel Versus Other Species
These guys stick to the ground—they’re not tree climbers like the squirrels you find in parks. They dig burrows and stick together in family groups.
On Fuerteventura, people often call them “chipmunks” or just “squirrels,” but they’re not true chipmunks.
In North Africa, you might hear “Moorish squirrel” or “Barbary squirrel.” If you compare them to their cousins in Morocco and Algeria, you’ll notice the island squirrels act much bolder around humans.
Names and Scientific Classification
You’ll hear several names: Barbary ground squirrel, Moorish squirrel, Barbary squirrel, or in Spanish, ardilla moruna.
Locals often just say “Fuerteventura squirrels” or “chipmunks,” even though that’s not technically right.
Scientific name: Atlantoxerus getulus.
Taxonomically:
- Family: Sciuridae
- Genus: Atlantoxerus (there’s only one species in this genus)
These names link the island squirrels to their North African roots. They’re handy if you want to look them up in scientific or travel guides.
Impact and Presence on the Island
Where do these squirrels live? How did they spread so fast? What kind of trouble do they cause for farms, wildlife, or even visitors?
Here’s what you’ll notice if you spend any time on Fuerteventura.
Population Growth and Distribution
Barbary ground squirrels landed on Fuerteventura in the 1960s and wasted no time multiplying. Local reports often say there are around a million now, mostly in the south and center, but honestly, you’ll see them everywhere.
Montaña Blanca and the scrubby areas near Gran Tarajal are hot spots. You’ll spot groups there almost every day.
People helped them spread. Released pets and squirrels hitching rides in cars let them cross the island and find new places to live.
They pack into dry, rocky areas with shrubs. In the higher, harsher interior, you’ll see fewer squirrels because food’s harder to find.
Environmental Impact and Invasive Status
These squirrels aren’t native—they’re invasive here. They compete with local wildlife for seeds and shelter, which hurts smaller species like the musaraña canaria (Canarian shrew).
That shrew is shy and tiny, and it eats a lot of the same stuff as the squirrels.
Farmers sometimes complain about these squirrels damaging crops and young palm trees. Their digging changes the soil and can make erosion worse near trails and fields.
Authorities warn people not to feed the squirrels. Feeding them just makes them gather in bigger groups and can spread disease to other wildlife—and even to people.
If you want to read more, there’s a detailed article about the island’s chipmunk problem.
Interactions With Locals and Tourists
You’ll spot squirrels near tourist paths, parks, and even rural hotels like Alma Calma Hotel Rural. Visitors snap photos and, all too often, toss them snacks.
Feeding makes these squirrels even bolder and more reliant on people. That ups the risk of bites, scratches, and diseases.
Local guides say it’s best to watch from a distance and skip the snacks. If you live here, you might catch them raiding gardens or grabbing nuts left on terraces.
Sometimes, the local government asks everyone not to feed or move squirrels, hoping to keep their numbers in check.
Role Alongside Other Fauna
Squirrels really shake up how local animals interact. They go head-to-head with wild rabbits and other small mammals for food.
Sometimes, their foraging changes the way Majorera goats graze by tweaking the vegetation in certain spots. When rabbit numbers drop, predators often switch up their diets, which can ripple through the whole food web.
Don’t forget about disease risks to pets and livestock—shared parasites or bacteria sometimes jump between species. If you’re out on trails where animals cross paths, it’s a good idea to keep your dog leashed and avoid touching any wildlife.
Curious about how this species ended up on Fuerteventura? Check out the profile on the Barbary ground squirrel’s colonization.
