Heliosciurus gambianus 223distribution: F. substriatus ranges from southern Niger to
southeastern Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and ex-
treme western Nigeria.geographic variation: None.conservation: IUCN status—data defi cient. Population
trend—no information.habitat: The Kintampo rope squirrel is found in Guinea
savanna habitat and drier patches, such as gallery forests.
Individuals in Burkina Faso have been seen in rocky habi-
tats and alongside rivers.natural history: A terrestrial species, the Kintampo
rope squirrel is known to drop its tail when stressed, pos-
sibly as a defense mechanism against predators. The lon-
gest-living captive animal died at 6.9 years old.general references: Amtmann 1975; Refi sch 1998; N.
Robinson 1967; R. Weigl 2005.Funisciurus substriatus. Photo courtesy S. G. Davis.
Heliosciurus Trouessart, 1880
Sun squirrels comprise six species of medium to large Afri-
can squirrels with banded tails. These species are omnivo-
rous and will feed on animal matter (insects, birds, etc.)
when they can obtain it.Heliosciurus gambianus (Ogilby, 1835)
Gambian Sun Squirrel
description: The Gambian sun squirrel exhibits a great
deal of color variation between geographic regions, but it is
generally duller and paler in color than other African squir-
rels. The fur on the back is buff or honey-colored speckled
with black, giving it a grizzled appearance. The hairs on the
back and the sides are short and gray, gray brown, or tan
with black highlights. The ventral pelage, chest, throat, and
inner surface of the limbs are white or light gray, and the
hind feet are white or buff. The tail is ringed black and tan
from the base to a black tip, and the hairs are tipped with
white. Subspecies with more arboreal tendencies have lon-
ger and softer hairs, particularly in the dorsal pelage. H.
gambianus can be distinguished from H. rufobrachium by its
smaller size and white or gray thighs.
size: Female—HB 204.0 mm (n = 13); T 230.3 mm (n = 13);
Mass 328.6 g (n = 6).