What factors determine the precise species distribution within the Xerus genus beyond the general East African range?

Elevation or proximity to specific vegetation boundaries

While the genus *Xerus* is broadly classified as inhabiting East Africa, achieving a precise understanding of distribution for specific species, such as noting differences between *Xerus erythropus* and *Xerus rutilus*, requires looking at finer details. Taxonomic records and scientific observations reveal that the delineation between closely related species often hinges on subtle environmental gradients rather than broad continental zones. Specifically, the precise species distribution frequently depends on factors like elevation, which affects temperature and moisture profiles, or the exact proximity to specific vegetation boundaries that delineate ecological niches. This level of detail allows scientific mapping to pinpoint active burrow clusters down to the square kilometer using GPS coordinates attached to observations.