ground squirrel
Refers to ground squirrels, especially those found in North America or Africa. Often used in zoological contexts.
There are many ground squirrels in the grasslands of North America.
Ground squirrels dig holes in the ground to make their nests.
Katakana spelling is standard for this animal name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling is rare and not commonly used; the word is usually written in kana.
Compound of 地 (ji, 'ground') and 栗鼠 (risu, 'squirrel'). The reading じりす is a straightforward combination, and the katakana spelling ジリス is standard for this animal name.