How are the forelimbs and claws of Xerus squirrels adapted specifically to support their subterranean architecture?

Forelimbs are equipped with powerful musculature anchored near the shoulder girdle and possess long, sharp claws specialized for scooping soil

The adaptation of the limbs is central to the survival strategy of *Xerus* as obligate burrowers. While the hind limbs provide propulsion for bounding across the open ground surface, the forelimbs are specifically engineered for excavation. They feature powerful musculature anchored close to the shoulder girdle to withstand the strain of digging vigorously into hard earth. This strength is coupled with notably long and sharp claws on the front paws. These specialized claws act as indispensable tools, allowing the squirrels to efficiently scoop away soil and construct complex underground networks that can extend several meters deep for predator evasion and heat escape.