Issued by: Invasive Species Ireland and the National Biodiversity Data Centre
Reason for issue: Chipmunks have been seen in the wild in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. This is a potentially invasive species in Ireland which may impact on native biodiversity.
Summary of potential impacts: Uncertain at present. This species may impact on the red squirrel through competition and disease or parasite transmission. It may also impact on ground nesting birds through the predation of their eggs causing local decline in some circumstances.
Species description:
- Small squirrel-like animal
- Generally sandy to reddish brown coat and a long bushy brown-grey tail.
- Adults are about 100g in weight. Juveniles and adults are distinguishable by size.
- It is distinguished from other chipmunk species by having five dark longitudinal stripes separated by lighter zones of the same width down its back from head to rump (one central and two lateral lines at either side.
Where and when recorded: See interactive map for all verified records: http://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/#/Species/186871
Have the record/s been verified?: Yes. All records in Ireland have been verified by Dr Colin Lawton. The single record from Northern Ireland has been verified by NIEA.
Introduction status: Casual occurrence. This species is not thought to be established in Ireland.
Frequency: Rare
Is there a reference specimen?: No.
Pathway of introduction: Escape from captivity or deliberate release.
What can you do?
- Report sightings with a photo if possible.
- Safeguard against potential escape of your pet.
- Do not release non-native animals into the wild.
- Encourage responsible pet ownership. More information available from the Be Pet Wise section
- Circulate this alert to raise awareness
- Remember that it is against the law to release chipmunks in Ireland.
Invasive status: It is listed on the Third Schedule Part 2 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 in Ireland. It is a listed Invasive Alien Species of Union concern regulated across all EU Member States under the EU Regulation on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species [1143/2014]. This species is listed by DAISIE as among 100 of the worst invasive species in Europe.
This species underwent a detailed NAPRA Ireland risk assessment in 2014. The outcome of that assessment was that the overall risk of this species to Ireland is categorised as: MINIMAL with a MEDIUM level of confidence.
Overall conclusion summary: Entry of the species is likely, based on the fact that the species is traded as a pet within Ireland and that records from the wild exist for this species (National Biodiversity Data Centre, 2014).
There is a likelihood of the species establishing in Ireland due to records of this species in the wild at present and studies from continental Europe that indicate that releases/escapes of Siberian chipmunk can lead to the establishment of populations. However, the failure of the species to establish in United Kingdom and other European countries introduces an element of doubt into our confidence of this species establishment in the wild of Ireland.
The natural spread of this species in Ireland is likely to be low due to the low natural dispersal rate of this species in its introduced range. The factor likely to be the greatest influence on the future spread of this species will be human mediated dispersal resulting from deliberate introductions or escapes.
Based on current research it is likely that the overall risk of this organism in Ireland will be minimal. The species is a known vector of Lyme’s disease, which will increase the risk of this disease spreading, but no major economic impact or significant effect on biodiversity is recorded elsewhere within its introduced range in Europe. Few studies have investigated impacts and further research is required. Any research should focus on woodland birds, of which an impact has been recorded in its native range, and red squirrels where potential competition could occur.
View the full risk assessment: http://invasives.ie/app/uploads/2022/01/Tamias-sibiricus-Siberian-chipmunk.pdf
Management actions taken to date: The following actions have been taken to date:
- All verified records have been added to the National Invasive Species Database.
- An updated alert was issued on the 15 November 2011
- Development of the Be Pet Wise information web pages http://invasives.ie/biosecurity/be-pet-wise/
- Invasive Species Ireland maintains an online reporting function http://invasivespeciesireland.com/alien-watch/
- National Biodiversity Data Centre maintains an online reporting function http://invasives.biodiversityireland.ie/submit-records/submit-records/
Additional Resources:
- View interactive map with all verified records
- DAISIE species profile