The Barbary ground squirrel is an invasive species on the Canarian holiday island of Fuerteventura, where tourists refer to them as chipmunks

These little Barbarians have colonized the island, and can now be found from its coastal lowlands up to the highest volcanic peaks

High densities of ground squirrels can be found wherever there are tourists. Beach-side resorts offer the richest pickings

Barbary ground squirrels favour arid rocky ground to make their burrows, where they live communally in family groups

The Fuerteventuran climate is very similar to their native lands of Morocco and Algeria on the Barbary coast of Africa

The Barbary ground squirrel is thought to have first arrived in 1965 and is one of only a few mammal species that inhabit the island - all of which (except the bats) were introduced by man

Well fed resort squirrels are often picky about their food. A slice of cucumber is perfect to cool off in the heat of the day

Adult Barbary ground squirrels are around 6-9 inches long, with a bushy tail as long as the body

There may be fewer parasites on the island, than in their native range - perhaps one of the reasons the squirrels are so successful

The buzzard population is on the increase and may have been affected by the arrival of this new food source. Squirrels are always on the look out for predators

In areas frequented by humans, ground squirrels show little fear. Serious scientific study is now underway to determine what effects their presence is having on the island's native wildlife