How Siberian chipmunks prepare for winter
How Siberian chipmunks prepare for winter
Siberian chipmunks gathering seeds to store for winter.
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz
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Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, MainzSiberian chipmunks gathering seeds to store for winter.
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Transcript
In the forests of the Russian Taiga, the Siberian pine tree is crucial to the survival of one animal - the Siberian chipmunk. It’s after the pine cones in the top of the tree. The seeds of the Siberian pine are the main source of food for the chipmunks in autumn, and everyone is busy stocking up on reserves before the big freeze. The pine seeds are rich in protein and fat, and are vital for the small squirrels to survive the long Siberian winter. Not surprisingly, the large cones are heavily contested. Before the onset of winter, the chipmunks gather up to six kilos of seeds in their underground larders. And they do so with the help of on board carrier bags.