Since the San Joaquin Valley fell under heavy agricultural cultivation, habitat loss combined with rodenticide use has reduced the squirrels numbers enough that it is now listed as a threatened species.

The squirrels live in small underground familial colonies on sandy, easily excavated grasslands in isolated locations in San Luis Obispo and Kern Counties.

The San Joaquin antelope squirrel is dull yellowish-brown or buffy-clay in color on upper body and outer surfaces of the legs with a white belly and a white streak down each side of its body in the fashion of other antelope squirrels.

[2] Studies by Hawbecker provide abundant information on breeding and the life cycle of Nelson's antelope squirrel.

[7] Nelson's antelope squirrel prefers deep, rich soil types since they are easy to dig through in both winter and summer temperatures.

Redstem fialree (Erodium cicutarium) and brome grass (Bromus rubens) are important food items for the squirrels.

[3] Some speculate that this could be due to the higher amount of water in insects and green vegetation, which would be necessary for the species to survive in such a hot, dry climate.

These dust baths appear to be very enjoyable activities for the squirrels and may also be used to prevent infestation of parasites.

The badger (Taxidea taxus) is a main predator of Nelson's antelope squirrel and will destroy burrows to get its meal.

[2] Coyotes (Canis latrans) and San Joaquin Valley Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) are also known to consume the squirrels, but they are not a main part of their diet.

Grazing livestock further destroys what habitat may be left, and exotic plants are able to take over native grasses that the squirrel forages upon and relies on for shade and cover.

[11] Not only are these practices affecting the population of the Nelson's antelope squirrel, but they are also causing problems for other native animal and plant species in the San Joaquin Valley.

These dense patches are not adequate habitats for Nelson's antelope squirrel and many other San Joaquin Valley Species.

[12] Other control efforts include chemical and mechanical treatments, however these too can be time consuming and expensive, especially for large areas.

[12] Also, the use of herbicides could potentially negatively affect species in the San Joaquin Valley if there are significant winds that spread the chemicals.

Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has a recovery plan dated 1998 that includes the ideas of using Safe Harbor Agreements (SHA's) under Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act.

[13] This could potentially begin a relationship between the USFWS and the farm landowners to help determine the best compromise in order to manage the endangered species of the valley.

A multispecies approach to conservation is important because of the increasing number of native species becoming threatened and endangered in the San Joaquin Valley.

[2][12] Unfortunately, most information found on the Nelson's antelope squirrel discuss the problems and reasons of declines, but do not give much insight on the potential recovery of the species.