Squirrels of the World

Paraxerus ochraceus 241

pale bars and patches, and it is typically held horizontally
behind the body.

size: Female—HB 160.1 mm (n = 34); T 166.1 mm (n = 31);
Mass 137.5 g (n = 7).
Male—HB 167.7 mm (n = 37); T 164.4 mm (n = 34); Mass
124.8 g.
Sex not stated—HB 160.5 mm (n = 2); T 158.5 mm (n = 2);
Mass 93.0 g (n = 1).

distribution: The distribution of this species stretches
from central Kenya southward through central and eastern
Tanzania, at elevations up to 2500 m. It may also occur in
southeastern Sudan and Somalia (Jubba Valley), but these
reports have yet to be confi rmed.

geographic variation: Eight subspecies are recognized.

P. o. ochraceus—central and eastern Tanzania. This subspe-
cies’ medium-sized body has a distinct lateral stripe. The
dorsal pelage is grizzled sandy ochre, and the ventral pel-
age is ivory.
P. o. affi nis—no information is available.
P. o. animosus—Mount Nyiro (northern Kenya). It is the pal-
est of the P. ochraceus subspecies. The dorsal pelage is
light gray olive, with black and yellow white speckles,
changing to an olive gray coloration on the fl anks. The
sides of the face and tops of the feet are ivory.
P. o. aruscensis—northeastern Tanzania and southeastern
Kenya. The dorsal pelage is richer in color than P. o.

ochraceus, and the ventral coat is yellow. There are no

lateral stripes.

P. o. electus—western Kenya. The dorsal pelage is paler, and

the ventral pelage is white.

P. o. ganana—northeastern Kenya, and around the Tana

River in southeastern Kenya. This form is small, pale,

and yellow tan, with no side stripe.

P. o. jacksoni—southern Kenya, and most mountain forests

throughout the country. It is the largest and darkest

form, with a greenish pelage. Some individuals show a

pale side stripe stretching back from the shoulder.

P. o. kahari—central Kenya, around Meru (to the northeast

of Mount Kenya). The dorsal pelage is buff y olive, with

the dark middle line bordered by a lighter stripe toward

the rump. The ventral pelage is cream buff , and the tops

of the feet are ochraceous.

conservation: IUCN status—least concern. Population

trend—stable.

habitat: The ochre bush squirrel lives in a variety of habi-

tats, including savanna woodlands, semiarid riverine for-

ests, and thickets, at elevations ranging from sea level to

2000 m. It is highly tolerant of human disturbance and has

been found in coff ee, Grevillea, and eucalyptus plantations

and suburban gardens in Nairobi (Kenya).

natural history: The ochre bush squirrel is diurnal and

arboreal. Individuals are most active during the early morn-

ing and late afternoon, when the temperature is coolest, and

Paraxerus ochraceus. Photo courtesy Charles Foley.