The unstriped ground squirrel (Xerus rutilus) is a species of rodent (order Rodentia) in the family Sciuridae.

As the name suggests the X. rutilus differs from other species of African ground squirrel by not having dorsal-running longitudinal white stripes.

Populations occupy many overlapping regions with its sister group, the striped ground squirrel (X. erythropus), in northeastern Africa.

[3] Studies[10] show that X. rutilus is unaffected by poisonous tannins and to some degree eats oxalic-containing foods.

This ability is not diminished across a variety of different environments, including those with a poor to moderate food supply.

In times of danger unstriped ground squirrel may dive into a foreign burrow for safety.

[3][11][12] Unstriped ground squirrels generally reside in hot arid conditions and compensate by exhibiting behavioral thermoregulation.