"In either case, and regardless of the position one might adopt around species concepts, it is evident that X. perotensis constitutes an independent and isolated biological entity that has evolved under restricted geographical and ecological contexts as a consequence of recent Pleistocene events".

[3] Perote ground squirrels only live in alkaline grasslands, arid scrubs and hilly, rocky areas where they will dig their burrows.

[6] This species is threatened by extensive habitat fragmentation and deforestation within its restricted range due to timber extraction and clearing of forest for agriculture.

[3] The Oriental Basin is surrounded almost entirely by a belt of temperate mountain ranges, which prevent the squirrel from dispersing to new habitat.

[4] The Oriental Basin is made up of lava flows, isolated mountains, and volcanoes and so provides only localized habitable areas.

"[6] Due to the increased fragmentation of the ground squirrels native habitat, they have suffered a sharp decrease in genetic diversity.

By comparing mitochondrial DNA of current populations with historic museum specimens, scientists have observed a decrease in haplotype and nucleotide diversity.

[6] Because of rapid generation times and large effective population sizes, Sciurids are expected to exhibit high numbers of haplotypes; however, the Perote Ground Squirrel is an exception to the rule.

[5] Some studies have found that because the Perote ground squirrel is a seasonal species, it is more affected by climate change, increasing the risk of extinction.

[6] "Ground-dwelling small mammals are key species, considered as ecosystem engineers because of their positive effects on soil condition, by introducing organic matter, favoring water infiltration and modifying its physical structure, thus enriching vegetation composition and favoring phreatic aquifer maintenance.

In addition, ground squirrels are important prey for several predator species, some of which highly depend on them during their breeding season.