BRAINCAKECape Ground Squirrel
The Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inauris) lives in the hot, dry Kalahari region of southern Africa. Unlike many desert mammals it is active during the day, foraging for seeds, roots and bulbs when surface temperatures are very high. It uses a combination of behaviour and anatomy to avoid overheating.
The tail as a parasol. Its long, bushy tail is held arched over its back and head, like a sunshade. This shades the body, reducing the heat it gains from the Sun by radiation, so the squirrel can stay out foraging for longer before it overheats.
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