Old world ground squirrels (the genus Spermophilus sensu stricto), including 14 species, are one of the eight genera of ground squirrels previously included within the genus Spermophilus sensu lato (Helgen et al., 2009), which is among the most intensively studied groups of mammals with respect to its behaviour, ecology, and evolution. Among these genera of ground squirrels, only the genus Spermophilus sensu stricto (hereafter, Spermophilus) is restricted to Eurasia (Helgen et al., 2009). Old world ground squirrels (Spermophilus) are group-living, diurnal, hibernating marmotine sciurids inhabiting open habitats (grasslands, deserts, and tundra). They spend the majority of their lives sleeping and hibernating in underground burrows.