Squirrels are some of the most intimate and fascinating mammalian discover in forests , parks , and even urban country worldwide . know for their shaggy tails and nimble movements , these creatures come in a wide variety of species . This clause introduces you to 49differenttypes of squirrel , foreground their unique appearances and habit .
The variety among thetypes of squirrelsis telling , ranging from small tree squirrels to large flat coat dwellers and gliding squirrels that can soar through the air . Each character has its own decided characteristic shaped by the environment it inhabit in , make squirrels a diverse and interesting group of animals to study and observe .
In this template , you ’ll find elaborate descriptions , designation tip , and vivid images for all 49 type of squirrels . This resource aim to help you recognize and value these rattling animals in their natural habitats or right outside your window . plunge into the captivate world of squirrel and discover what make each type special .
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Types of Squirrels in North America
Sciurus carolinensis
The easterly gray squirrel is one of the most widespread and placeable squirrels in North America . It has gray pelt with a white abdomen and a big , shaggy-haired tail that assistance in balance and warmth . adult typically weigh between 400 to 600 g and mensurate up to 20 inch in duration , include the tail .
This squirrel is aboriginal to the eastern and midwestern United States and parts of southerly Canada , flourish in deciduous and interracial timber as well as urban common and neighbourhood . It is highly adaptable and often builds nests ring “ drey ” out of leaves in tree branches or uses tree diagram cavities for protection .
Eastern gray squirrels are diurnal and active year - circular . Their dieting mainly comprise of testicle , seeds , fruit , tree barque , and fungus . A fun fact is that they commit “ spread billboard , ” burying thousands of nuts during fall to retrieve in winter , though many forgotten daft service with forest regeneration .
Sciurus niger
The Fox squirrel is the largest native tree squirrel in North America , measuring up to 28 inches long include its tail . It has a varying pelage colour ranging from gray to rust - red , with a pale or orange underside , and a long bushy tail often tinged with cinnamon hues .
This coinage is common in the eastern and central United States , particularly in area with clear woodland , oak savanna , and even agricultural landscapes . It is more resistant of split habitat than other squirrel and can often be go out forage on the ground .
Fox squirrels feed on acorns , hickory nuts , corn whisky , berries , and insects . They establish nests high in tree diagram or take over old woodpecker cakehole . A fun fact is that they often “ fake bury ” bollock to throw off potential thieves like other squirrel or bird .
Tamiasciurus douglasii
Douglas ’s squirrel , often called the “ chickaree , ” is a small , lively squirrel with a dark Brown University or reddish back and a pale Orange River belly . It has a relatively short stern compared to tree squirrel and emits a distinctive , speedy chatter call when alert .
This species is found along the western seacoast of North America , from British Columbia through the Pacific Northwest to central California . It inhabit cone-bearing wood , especially surface area dominated byDouglas fir , for which it is named .
Douglas ’s squirrel are territorial and fast-growing in fend for their food for thought caches , often lay in conifer germ in bombastic , central “ dunghill . ” A fun fact is that these squirrel are bed to ferociously chase off intruders and even throw pinecone at predators or rivals .
Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
The American red squirrel is a small , reddish squirrel with a lily-white belly and a sheer , bushy stern . It has a prominent optic tintinnabulation and is know for its loud , trilling calls used to defend its district .
Found across circumboreal forests from Alaska to the northeastern United States , this species prefers cone-bearing forests but can also be seen in assorted woods . It constructs nest in tree branch or uses abandoned woodpecker holes .
Red squirrel tip mainly on conifer seeds but also consume fungi , fruit , barque , and bird eggs . They are known for creating large memory cache of nutrient to survive winter . A fun fact is that their kitchen midden can endure and grow for years , die down across generation .
Tamiasciurus fremonti
The southwesterly red squirrel is close related to the American red squirrel but adapted to high - acme forest in the southwestern United States . It has red - brown pelt , a livid underbelly , and a tail that appear slightly flatter than other flushed squirrels .
Its dispersion is limited to isolated stack ranges , such as the Sierra Madre and parts of Arizona and New Mexico , where it inhabits cool , moist spruce - fir and mixed - conifer wood . Due to home ground atomization , some populations are now considered vulnerable or endangered .
The Southwestern red squirrel is territorial and lonely , give mostly on pine cones , mushrooms , and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree barque . A fun fact is that its vocalizations and size can disagree more or less from northern red squirrel , suggesting a unique adaption to its mountainous environment .
Ictidomys tridecemlineatus
The thirteen - describe land squirrel is a small , slender rodent with classifiable fur marked by thirteen alternating light and dark stripes and daub along its back . Its short tail , small ears , and golden - dark-brown color make it easy to identify on grassy plain .
This squirrel is native to central North America , commonly found in prairies , grassy fields , golf courses , and even cemeteries . It prefers open areas with forgetful vegetation and well - drained grime where it can compass burrows .
Thirteen - lined ground squirrel are diurnal and hibernate for up to seven month during wintertime . They feed on seeds , grass , dirt ball , and small vertebrates . A fun fact is that their body temperature drops close to freezing during hibernation , and their ticker pace slows to just a few beats per minute .
Ictidomys mexicanus
The Mexican ground squirrel resembles the thirteen - lined ground squirrel but is generally big and has a more cherry - brown coat with a series of pale billet along its back , rather than full stripe . Its rear end is slightly shaggy , and it tends to have a more full-bodied dead body .
It inhabits southern Texas and northeastern Mexico , living in dry grassland , desert margin , and scrubland . It favour sandlike or loose territory for burrowing and quash dense vegetation .
This squirrel feed on seeds , roots , insects , and now and again pocket-size animals . It is less well read than other ground squirrels but is known to be active during warmer month and to hibernate during winter . A fun fact is that it can climb shrubs and low trees despite being a basis - dwell specie .
Otospermophilus variegatus
The rock and roll squirrel is one of the largest flat coat squirrels in North America , easily recognized by its greyish - brown , mottled pelt and long , shaggy-haired tail . Its trunk can grow up to 18 inches long , and it closely resemble a tree diagram squirrel in appearance .
This species ranges across the southwestern United States and into Mexico , often seen among rocky outcrops , canon bulwark , and dry deserts . It build all-embracing tunnel systems in crevices or under rocks for shelter and tribute .
rock’n’roll squirrels are omnivorous , feed on fruits , seed , Nut , insects , and even small bird . A fun fact is that they are known to sun on Rock and will alarm call clamorously when predators are close . They can also enter a torpid state in colder months , like to hibernation .
Spermophilus richardsonii
Richardson ’s footing squirrel is a small , tan - colored squirrel with a short tail and round body , often misguided for a prairie dog due to its similar sizing and posture . Its fur is plain brown without obtrusive markings , and it has dark eyes set up in a rounded grimace .
aboriginal to the northerly plains of the United States and southern Canada , it prefers opened grasslands and cultivated fields . It digs luxuriant tunnel systems with multiple exits and bedroom for quiescency and food storage .
This ground squirrel feeds on grasses , seeds , and small invertebrate . It is extremely societal and often lives in colony with coordinated warning gadget calls . A fun fact is that it can stay underground in hibernation for up to 8 calendar month , hold up cold prairie winters .
Spermophilus franklinii
Franklin ’s earth squirrel is a larger and darker species than many other ground squirrel , with greyish - mordant fur and a relatively longsighted stern . It has a chunky build and a diffident , elusive nature , make it harder to observe in the wild .
This squirrel inhabit tall-grass prairie , forest edges , and lactating meadows in the fundamental United States and parts of Canada . It avert heart-to-heart space and opt orbit with dense flora for cover and burrow construction .
Its diet includes vegetation , fruit , insects , and sometimes hoot eggs . Franklin ’s ground squirrel is a unassailable swimmer and is acknowledge to get over streams when foraging . A fun fact is that it plays an significant ecological role by spread out seed and control insect population .
Urocitellus columbianus
The Columbian ground squirrel is a medium - sized ground squirrel with a rich body and short limbs . It has a grey - brown back speckle with lighter tones and a reddish human face and legs . Its curt tail is tipped with black and livid , giving it a distinguished look .
Found in the Rocky Mountains and surrounding regions of the northwestern United States and southwest Canada , this species prefer alpine meadows , woodland edge , and grasslands . It is often spotted near burrow entrances , specially in cheery areas .
Columbian ground squirrels hibernate for 7 to 8 months , with some of the longest hibernation periods of any mammal . They feed on grasses , seeds , and insects during their active time of year . A fun fact is that Male emerge from hibernation weeks before females to secure territory .
Urocitellus beldingi
Belding ’s ground squirrel is a small , greyish - brownish rodent with a comparatively short hindquarters and minimal markings , except for a lighter paunch . Its appearance is somewhat plain , which helps it combine into jolting or grassy habitats .
This metal money is native to the mountainous regions of the westerly United States , especially in the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin . It thrives in alpine meadows , sagebrush flats , and subalpine zone where vegetation is abundant during summer .
Belding ’s ground squirrels are diurnal and spend much of the day foraging . Their dieting includes forbs , Gunter Grass , and dirt ball . They are extremely social and utilise flashy alarm call option to warn others of peril . A fun fact is that they only remain active above terra firma for about three months before beginning hibernation .
Urocitellus townsendii
Townsend ’s ground squirrel is a small , slim rodent with softened grayish - brownish fur and a comparatively little tail assembly . It is one of the more inconspicuous ground squirrel , often blending in with the dry , sandy terrain it inhabits .
This species inhabit in the arid and semi - desiccate regions of the Great Basin and Columbia Plateau , prefer open desert chaparral , grasslands , and sagebrush steppe . It burrows in loose soil and is most active in the early morning and late afternoon .
Townsend ’s priming coat squirrels provender on grasses and seed and can survive in extremely dry environments . They estivate during the hottest portion of summertime and hibernate in winter . A fun fact is that some populations may remain underground and inactive for up to nine months a twelvemonth .
Marmota monax
Also known as the groundhog or woodchuck , Marmota monax is a turgid , chunky squirrel with chocolate-brown fur , short legs , and a shaggy-haired tail . It has a broad , flavorless head with small ear and strong claws adapted for digging .
Groundhogs are far-flung across the eastern and central United States and parts of Canada . They dwell forest edge , ley , and open fields , often near human settlements . They are known for their large tunnel system , which may have multiple chambers and entry .
These squirrels are herbivorous , eating grasses , clover , fruits , and veggie . They hibernate deeply in wintertime and are noted for “ Groundhog Day , ” a tradition base on their emergence from hibernation . A fun fact is that woodchuck can swim and climb tree when threatened .
Marmota flaviventris
The yellow - bellied marmot is a large , strapping ground squirrel with a slurred torso pass over in brownish fur and a decided yellowness to orange patch on its venter . Its broad question , myopic ears , and shaggy-coated behind make it easy to distinguish from other marmot .
This species is found in the westerly United States and southwestern Canada , specially in mountainous part such as the Rockies and Sierra Nevada . It favor alpine hayfield , stony slope , and opened grassy arena near boulders where it can build cryptic burrows .
Yellow - bellied marmots are herbivore , feeding on grasses , flower , and seeds . They hibernate for up to eight calendar month , and their colonies are often made up of extensive kinfolk groups . A fun fact : they put across with loud tin whistle to alarm others to danger , earning them the nickname “ whistle pigs . ”
Glaucomys sabrinus
The northern flying squirrel is a small , nocturnal squirrel with a gentle , grayish - chocolate-brown coat and a creamy clean belly . It has a flatten poop and a skin tissue layer cry the patagium that unfold from radiocarpal joint to ankle , take into account it to glide between trees .
This mintage inhabits cone-bearing and sundry forests across Canada , Alaska , and parts of the northerly United States . It prefers dense woodlands with sure-enough tree and abundant snag for nesting .
Northern flight squirrel feed on kingdom Fungi , lichens , seeds , and berries , encounter a key purpose in forest environmental science by dispersing fungal spores . A fun fact is that they are seldom seen due to their stringently nocturnal substance abuse and silent gliding through the canopy .
Glaucomys volans
The southern flying squirrel is the smallest tree diagram squirrel inNorth America , with subdued gray - brown pelt , large black heart , and a pallid underbelly . Like its northerly first cousin , it has a gliding membrane used to travel from tree to Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
It dwell deciduous and mixed forests throughout the eastern and southern United States . Southern flight squirrel are cavity denizen and often nest in tree diagram holes , abandoned woodpecker nests , or nest loge .
They are omnivorous , corrode acorn , seeds , fruit , fungi , and even snort eggs or insect . southerly flight squirrels are highly social and may cower in groups to keep ardent . A fun fact : their glides can cut through over 150 feet in a single leap .
Glaucomys oregonensis
The Humboldt ’s fly squirrel , once considered a race of Glaucomys sabrinus , is now recognized as a clear-cut species . It tight resembles the northern fast-flying squirrel , with diffused brown pelt and a gliding membrane , but is slightly dark in color .
This species is native to the Pacific coastal forests of northern California , Oregon , and southern British Columbia . It expand in moist , dense timber dominated by coniferous tree and apply tree cavities or leaf nests for shelter .
Humboldt ’s flying squirrels are nocturnal and elusive , feeding on kingdom Fungi , nuts , insects , and lichens . A fun fact is that this coinage was only identified as separate from the northerly flying squirrel in 2017 , making it one of North America ’s newest recognized mammal coinage .
Types of Squirrels in Central and South America
Sciurus aureogaster
The Mexican gray squirrel is a medium - sized tree squirrel with a slick , grizzly trunk , a white or buff - color belly , and a large , shaggy nates . Some individuals may display reddish hues calculate on regional variations .
This squirrel is aboriginal to Mexico and Central America , where it dwell tropical and subtropical forests , as well as urban and agricultural areas . It adapts well to human comportment and is often seen foraging in parks and gardens .
Mexican gray squirrels are in the first place diurnal and provender on bollock , seed , fruits , and flowers . A fun fact : they were introduce to Florida ’s Elliot Key in the 1930s and have since become naturalized there , far from their original habitat .
Sciurus yucatanensis
The Yucatán squirrel is a dramatic species with dark grey to black pelt on its back and a contrasting pale or rufous underside . Its tenacious , fluffy fanny is intemperately furred and often match the body colour , providing equipoise as it move through Tree .
It is aboriginal to the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico and constituent of Belize and Guatemala . The Yucatán squirrel prefer dry forests , pine savannas , and semi - deciduous woodlands , usually at lower elevations .
These squirrel are arboresque and active during the Clarence Day , feeding on fruits , cum , flowers , and occasionally bark . A fun fact : their striking coloration and recollective hindquarters make them light to tell apart despite populate in densely forested areas .
Sciurus colliaei
Collie ’s squirrel , also known as the Collie ’s tree squirrel , is a coloured specie with plenteous carmine - chocolate-brown fur and a pallid , sometimes yellowish , underbelly . Its tail is long , bushy , and may have black tips or highlights depending on the individual .
It is find in western Mexico , peculiarly in tropical and semitropic forests along the Pacific coast , from Sinaloa to Jalisco . Collie ’s squirrel thrives in both lowland and mid - elevation timber .
This diurnal species feeds on seeds , testis , yield , and flowers and is have it away for its agility in the tree canopy . A fun fact : its scientific name honor Alexander Collie , a nineteenth - century Scottish natural scientist and naval surgeon .
Sciurus oculatus
Peters ’s squirrel is a average - sized , rare mintage with blue gray or browned upperparts and pale underpart . It has a distinctive ring around its eyes , giving it the name “ oculatus , ” which mean “ eyed ” in Latin .
It is autochthonal to central and southern Mexico , particularly in montane and cloud woodland at elevations between 1,200 and 3,000 meters . Its preferred habitat are humid woodland with dumb vegetation and abundant food source .
fiddling is known about its conduct due to its tightlipped nature , but it likely feeds on seeds , fruits , and kingdom Fungi . A fun fact : Peters ’s squirrel is one of the least studied North American squirrels , and its conservation condition remains uncertain due to limited sightings .
Sciurus spadiceus
The southerly Amazon cherry squirrel is one of the largest tree diagram squirrels in South America . It has rich scarlet - brown pelt , a strong soma , and a thick , bushy tail . Its vivacious colouration makes it stand out in its rainforest habitat .
This species is far-flung across the southern Amazon Basin , admit Brazil , Peru , Bolivia , and parts of Ecuador . It inhabits tropical rain forest and lowland hobo camp , favoring domain with marvelous canopy and heavy foliage .
southerly Amazon red squirrels are fighting during the Clarence Day and spend much of their time foraging for junkie , seeds , and fruit . A fun fact : unlike many North American squirrel , they often descend to the forest floor to forage , making them more sublunary than expected .
Types of Squirrels in Europe
Sciurus vulgaris
The Eurasian ruby squirrel is a small , agile specie with a vivacious cerise coat , though its coloration can vary from reddish - brown to melanise bet on the region . It has a livid bottom , prominent ear tussock in wintertime , and a longsighted , bushy tail used for balance and warmness .
This species is widely distributed across Europe and northern Asia , from the British Isles and Scandinavia to Siberia and the Korean Peninsula . It prefers coniferous and assorted woodlands but also thrives in urban parks and gardens .
cerise squirrels are diurnal and flow on seeds , nuts , fungi , berries , and sometimes bird eggs . A fun fact : in areas where the invasive Eastern grey squirrel has been introduce ( such as the UK ) , aboriginal red squirrel have sharply correct due to competition and disease .
Spermophilus citellus
The European solid ground squirrel , or souslik , is a lowly , burrow rodent with short limbs , a candid promontory , and a yellow - brown coating marked by faint spots and run . It has orotund , black eye and a short , thin tail .
It is native to Eastern and Central Europe , include countries like Austria , Hungary , Bulgaria , and Romania . This squirrel inhabits open grassland , steppe , and agrarian fields , where it digs complex burrow system .
European ground squirrel are participating during the day and provender on seeds , immature plants , insects , and solution . A fun fact : they hibernate for up to six month during colder seasons and are considered a symbol of protected grassland ecosystems in many parts of Europe .
Marmota marmota
The Alpine marmot is a turgid , stout gnawer with a thick body , short legs , and dense fur ranging from grey-headed to embrown . It has small ears , abrupt claws for digging , and a short , furry tail .
It is aboriginal to the European Alps and other high - elevation regions such as the Carpathians and Pyrenees . Marmots live on in alpine hayfield and rocky slope above the tree business line , where they produce extensive underground tunnel .
These sociable animal endure in colonies and communicate with sharp whistles to discourage of piranha . Their dieting includes grasses , herbs , and roots . A fun fact : Alpine marmots hibernate for up to eight months of the class and can double up their body system of weights before wintertime to pull round the long quiescence .
Types of Squirrels in Asia
Funambulus palmarum
The Indian medal squirrel is a minor , stripy species with gray - brown fur and three distinct white banding running from head to tail along its back . Its bushy tail is roughly the same length as its consistence and is often harbour upright as it moves .
This squirrel is aboriginal to southern India and Sri Lanka and is commonly found in urban garden , farmlands , and open forest . It adapt well to human environments and is often seen scurrying around construction and tree in cities .
Indian palm tree squirrel are diurnal and feed on fruit , testis , seeds , and small insects . A fun fact : they are considered sanctified in some Hindu traditions and are protect around synagogue , where they are fertilise by devotees .
Funambulus pennantii
The northern palm tree squirrel , also known as the five - striped thenar squirrel , has a slender body with light brown to grayish fur and five creamy - white banding pass longitudinally along its back . It is more or less larger than its southern cousin .
This species is widespread across northerly and cardinal India , Nepal , and parts of Pakistan . It boom in a motley of habitats , from dry scrubland and agricultural fields to towns and tabernacle priming coat .
Northern palm squirrels are active during the 24-hour interval and principally feed on food grain , fruits , insects , and nuts . A fun fact : they are very vocal , often producing a sharp “ chip shot - chip ” call when alarmed or during social interactions .
Funambulus obscurus
The twilight palm tree squirrel is a lesser - sleep together specie with benighted gray to brown fur and faint or indistinct stripes compared to other medal squirrels . Its tail is bushy but not as prominently strike out .
It is endemic to the island of Sri Lanka and primarily inhabit moist lowland forests and forest edges , include cultivated areas . Due to its special range , it is considered more vulnerable to habitat loss than more widespread species .
This squirrel is tree-shaped and diurnal , foraging for fruit , crackpot , and seed . A fun fact : due to its secretive nature and resemblance to other squirrels , it was once jumble with other Funambulus species until more exhaustive studies clarified its personal identity .
Callosciurus finlaysonii
Finlayson ’s squirrel , also call the varying squirrel , is far-famed for its incredibly diverse coloration , ranging from all white to red , black , or piebald combinations . Its pelt colouration can vary drastically even within a single population .
It is aboriginal to Thailand , Cambodia , Laos , and parts of Vietnam . It inhabit forests , plantations , and urban parks , often living near human settlements where food is readily available .
This species is diurnal and feeds on fruit , seeds , flowers , and sometimes bird eggs . A fun fact : its remarkable color diversity has made it democratic in the alien pet trade and lead to unveiling in areas like Singapore and the Philippines .
Callosciurus erythraeus
Pallas ’s squirrel , or the cerise - bellied tree diagram squirrel , typically has olive - brown upperparts and a reddish - orange belly , with a long , bushy tail that is darker in color . The coloration may vary across its broad range .
It is aboriginal to southerly China , Taiwan , Vietnam , and region of Southeast Asia . Pallas ’s squirrel prefer semitropic and tropic forests but also thrives in lower-ranking growth , parks , and gardens .
An spry climber and jumper , it forages for yield , seed , barque , and insects . A fun fact : it has been introduced to several non - aboriginal regions including Japan and Argentina , where it is considered an invasive species due to its adaptability and rapid scatter .
Callosciurus notatus
The plantain squirrel , also known as the oriental squirrel , features olive - browned pelt with a distinctive red - orangeness belly and a black streak turn tail along each side of its body . Its shaggy-haired tail is nearly as long as its physical structure , helping it balance during tree - to - tree diagram jump .
This mintage is native to Southeast Asia , in particular Malaysia , Indonesia , Thailand , and Singapore . It prefers tropic rainforests but has accommodate well to plantations , gardens , and urban parks .
Plantain squirrels are combat-ready during the day and primarily feed on fruit , seeds , flower , and at times insects . A fun fact : they are known for raidingfruit treesand are look at both a charming garden visitor and a mild farming pestilence in some region .
Petaurista petaurista
The crimson giant flying squirrel is one of the largest species of flight squirrels , with a body distance of up to 45 cm and a fundament that ’s equally long . Its duncical fur is reddish - brown with a paler underside , and it has large eyes for dark vision .
It ranges widely from the Himalayas through Southeast Asia to the Indonesian archipelago , inhabiting fledged tropic timber , timber , and hill forests . This species is nocturnal and relies on its large patagium ( cutis tissue layer ) to glide long distances between trees .
Red giant flying squirrel feed on leaves , fruit , bark , and screwball . A fun fact : they can glide up to 75 meters in a exclusive bound , using their tail as a rudder to guide mid - aviation .
Petaurista nobilis
The Bhutan jumbo flying squirrel is a salient and rare species with a ruby-red - brown body , creamy underparts , and a long , bushy tail . It also possesses the gliding tissue layer that characterizes flight squirrels , take into account it to move silently among Tree .
This specie is found in the Himalayan region of Bhutan , northeastern India , and parts of southern China . It prefers dense , montane forests at high elevation , commonly above 2,000 meters .
A nocturnal and herbivorous creature , it feeds on leaves , fruit , bloom , and bark . A fun fact : it is considered baffling and badly studied due to its high - altitude habitat and secretive , night - fighting behavior .
Petinomys setosus
Temminck ’s flying squirrel is a little and slender species with soft chocolate-brown pelt , a wan underbelly , and a well - develop gliding membrane . It has gravid eyes and a comparatively narrow tail compared to other flying squirrels .
It inhabit tropic lowland and mound forests in Southeast Asia , in particular Malaysia , Indonesia , and southerly Thailand . This species prefer dense woods canopy and is rarely seen due to its smooth , nocturnal habits .
Temminck ’s flying squirrel feeds chiefly on fruit , seeds , and leaf . A fun fact : although it ’s small and quiet , it can glide telling distances between trees thanks to its all-inclusive tissue layer and lightweight frame .
Hylopetes alboniger
The particolored flying squirrel has a distinctive pitch-black - and - white pattern , with a dark upper soundbox and white or grayish underparts . Its gliding tissue layer blends into the pelt and is not always straightaway visible when at rest .
This species is found in South and Southeast Asia , include India , Nepal , Myanmar , and role of China . It lives in montane forests and gamey - altitude timber , where it uses tall trees for its gliding bound .
A nocturnal and tree-living fauna , it feed on freak , fruit , and tender leaves . A fun fact : its counterpoint fur pattern micturate it soft for researchers to describe in the state of nature despite its elusive and nighttime - active nature .
Hylopetes platyurus
Jentink ’s take flight squirrel is a small , elusive coinage with soft , grayish - brown fur and a flattened , wide derriere that aids in gliding . It features a gliding tissue layer extend from its radiocarpal joint to its ankles , which allows it to glide silently through the forest canopy .
This squirrel is native to parts of Southeast Asia , including Indonesia and Malaysia . It prefers dense , tropical lowland and montane forests , typically staying luxuriously in the trees and seldom descending to the ground .
Nocturnal by nature , it feed on fruits , seeds , young leaves , and sometimes skin . A fun fact : Jentink ’s fly squirrel is so rarely go out that much of its behaviour and ecology remains ill documented by scientists .
Pteromys momonga
The Japanese dwarf fly squirrel is a magic and midget species , with soft , silvery - gray fur , large black eye , and a round side that gives it a “ cute ” appearance . Its body measures about 14–20 cm , with a keister almost as long as its eubstance .
Endemic to Japan , it inhabit subalpine and boreal wood on Honshu and Kyushu island . It build nest in tree cavities or branch fork and utilize its patagium to glide between trees .
Feeding primarily on leaves , seeds , fruits , and bark , it is most active at Nox . A fun fact : due to its endearing appearance , it has become a popular flesh in Japanese papa culture and children ’s books .
Pteromys volans
The Siberian flying squirrel is more or less large than its Nipponese cousin and is known for its deep , easygoing pelt that insulates it from cold climates . It has a light gray coat , a white belly , and a typical flat rump used for steering while gliding .
This coinage is found in northerly Eurasia , from the Baltic body politic and Finland to Siberia and northeast Asia . It lives in coniferous and assorted timber , often nesting in tree holes or boo nest box .
Siberian fell squirrels feed on bud , catkins , leafage , and once in a while berry or fungi . A fun fact : in some regions , they are considered indicators of healthy , older - increase forests due to their specific habitat demand .
Spermophilus undulatus
The long - chase primer squirrel has a robust body cover in brown - gray pelt with swooning wave - like design along its back and a long , shaggy-haired tail that is unusually prolonged for a earth squirrel .
This species is aboriginal to the steppes and forest - steppe zones of easterly Russia , Mongolia , and part of northern China . It prefers open grassland and rocky terrain where it digs extensive burrow systems .
Feeding on grasses , seeds , and grains , it is diurnal and hibernates during the winter . A fun fact : it often sits upright like a prairie dog to watch for predators , giving it a vigilant appearance in the natural state .
Spermophilus fulvus
The yellow background squirrel is a big , tough specie with sick yellowish - brownish fur and a relatively short , fluffy tail . It is one of the big ground squirrels in its range , with adults reaching up to 30 centimeter in length .
This coinage is parcel out across Central Asia , include parting of Kazakhstan , Uzbekistan , Turkmenistan , and Iran . It inhabits semi - desiccate champaign , deserts , and grasslands , often create deep burrows for protection from the rough sunlight and piranha .
It feeds on a wide range of vegetation including grasses , base , and crop crop . A fun fact : during the hot months , it recruit a state of aestivation to conserve push and moisture .
Types of Squirrels in Africa
Paraxerus cepapi
The tree squirrel Paraxerus cepapi , commonly known as the Smith ’s bush squirrel , has a striking reddish - brown pelage with lighter underparts and a bushy tail that avail with balance as it moves through the tree . Its nimble body and incisive claws make it an excellent climber .
This coinage is aboriginal to southern Africa , specially in countries like South Africa , Botswana , and Namibia . It prefer savanna woodlands , scrubbing forests , and areas with abundant Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree cover charge where it can scrounge and nest .
Active mostly during the twenty-four hours , it eat on fruits , seeded player , nuts , and occasionally insects . A fun fact : Paraxerus cepapi is known for its cheap warning signal calls , which warn other squirrel and beast of approaching predators .
Heliosciurus rufobrachium
know as the ruddy - legged Dominicus squirrel , this species has a distinctive cherry-red - Orange River pelt on its peg and a darker brownish body . Its vivacious colouration makes it loose to identify among African squirrel .
It is found in the tropical forests of Central and West Africa , including nation like Cameroon , Gabon , and the Democratic Republic of Congo . It prefers dense forest habitat but is sometimes understand in plantations and secondary forests .
This squirrel is diurnal and chiefly prey on fruits , nut , and seeds , but will also corrode dirt ball and bird eggs when available . A fun fact : the violent - legged sun squirrel is known to cache solid food , hiding it in tree fissure for later ingestion .
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Xerus inauris
The Cape ground squirrel is a robust specie with short , rough-cut fur that is greyish to red - chocolate-brown and a typical long shaggy-haired tail end often adjudge arched over its back . Unlike Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree squirrels , it spends most of its time on the primer coat .
Native to southern Africa , especially South Africa and Namibia , it dwell desiccated savannah and deserts with sparse vegetation . It digs complex burrow system used for tax shelter and elevate young .
This species is highly social , living in colonies and pass with tail flicks and vocalizations . It prey on seeds , roots , Tuber , and now and again insects . A fun fact : Cape ground squirrel are one of the few gnawer observed sunbathe to baffle their body temperature .
Xerus erythropus
The stripy ground squirrel has a light brown body with classifiable blanched bar run along its sides and a shaggy-coated tail that facilitate with balance when sprint across open terrain . Its crisp claws permit it to dig quickly in the soil .
It is spread widely across West and Central Africa , favor savanna woodland , open grassland , and agricultural areas . It often builds burrows under trees or in give up termite agglomerate .
Diurnal and terrestrial , it feeds on seeds , bollock , fruits , and insects . A fun fact : strip ground squirrel can suffer on their hind legs to keep a observation post for predators while the relief of the group forage .
