Sciurus aureogaster (Rodentia: Sciuridae)

Abstract

Sciurus aureogaster (Cuvier, 1829) is a sciurid commonly called the red-bellied squirrel. S. aureogaster is a medium-bodied tree squirrel quite variable in color throughout the range; partial and complete melanism are common. One of 28 species in the genus, the red-bellied squirrel is endemic to Mexico and Guatemala, and introduced to the Florida Keys, USA. Two subspecies are recognized, the nominate form S. a. aureogaster, which occurs in eastern Mexico, and S. a. nigrescens, which occurs in central and western Mexico and southwestern Guatemala. Red-bellied squirrels inhabit a wide variety of ecosystems and plant communities, are diurnal, arboreal, and use leaf nests and tree cavities for nesting. S. aureogaster feeds primarily on acorns (Quercus) and pine (Pinus) seeds throughout most of the range, but individuals are known to damage corn and other plantation crops including cacao. Litter size ranges between 1 and 4 young. The red-bellied squirrel is listed as of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.