Central American dwarf squirrel

The Central American dwarf squirrel, also known as Alfaro's pygmy squirrel,(Microsciurus alfari) is a small tree squirrel in the genus Microsciurus and tribe Sciurini found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. No species of squirrel within this genus are endangered, but they are rarely seen because they are shy and live hidden lives. This suggests that their population numbers may be larger than documented.[2]

Central American dwarf squirrel
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Sciuridae
Genus: Microsciurus
Species:
M. alfari
Binomial name
Microsciurus alfari
(J. A. Allen, 1895)
Subspecies
  • M. a. alfari
  • M. a. alticola
  • M. a. browni
  • M. a. fusculus
  • M. a. septentrionalis
  • M. a. venustulus
Central American dwarf squirrel range

Description

Central American dwarf squirrels are not as small as their name suggests. In fact, their body measurements are close to that of the Red Squirrel and Gray Squirrel, with a head-and-body length about 15 cm (5.9 in) with a 12 cm (4.7 in) long tail. The majority of their body is a dark, olive-green and brown color with a reddish-brown head coloration. The underside of their heads and limbs can range from a yellowish grey to a tawny grey color.[2]

Distribution and Habitat

Central American dwarf squirrels are native to Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. They typically inhabit tropical rainforests, with a preference for the heavy forest, particularly those with vines in the undergrowth, which can allow them to descend to the ground and quickly escape from predators. [3]

Ecology

Central American dwarf squirrels are typically very shy and solitary in nature. While they are diurnal some squirrels have been observed at night by hunters, suggesting a degree of nocturnal activity. Their small size, dull coloration, and quickness tend to make them hard to locate and catch or even observe.[2] The diet of these squirrels is most likely similar that to the common herbivore, consisting of seeds, grains and nuts, including nuts of the ivory-nut palm tree which they inhabit.[3]

Subspecies

The table below lists the six recognized subspecies of Microsciurus alfari, along with any synonyms associated with each subspecies:[4]

Microsciurus alfari taxonomy
Subspecies Authority Synonyms
M. a. alfari J. A. Allen (1895) none
M. a. alticola Goodwin (1943) none
M. a. browni Bangs (1902) none
M. a. fusculus Thomas (1910) none
M. a. septentrionalis Anthony (1920) none
M. a. venustulus Goldman (1912) none

References
  1. Koprowski, J.; Roth, L.; Emmons, L.; Timm, R.; McCarthy, T. & Samudio, R. (2008). "Microsciurus alfari". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2008. Retrieved 6 January 2009.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  2. Allen, J. (1895). Descriptions of New American Mammals. Bulletin - American Museum of Natural History, 7, 333. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/26894480#page/363/mode/1up
  3. Loveridge, A. (1935). Canal Zone Pygmy Squirrels. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, 78, 450. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/2794455#page/458/mode/1up
  4. Thorington, R.W., Jr.; Hoffman, R.S. (2005). "Family Sciuridae". In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 757. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
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