Game reserves: Ground squirrels are ubiquitous in the Kalahari Park. They also occur in the Augrabies Falls National Park and in Namibia.

Ground squirrels mainly occur in the dry, semi-desert regions of southern Africa. 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.

The friendly and tame 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. They are constant companions in the rest camps of the reserves. Because they are often fed by visitors, they can become a nuisance.