Sciurus aberti 37natural history: This species is diurnal. Tufted ground
squirrels are rare and at low density; however, opportunis-
tic sightings and camera traps suggest that this species for-
ages on the ground and in the lower canopy, most often
with the tail held high overhead. They will also climb high
into the canopy for food. Their diet includes fruits, thick-
shelled nuts and seeds, and insects. Tufted ground squirrels
demonstrated little fear of macaques (Macaca) and often for-
aged in the same tree with these primates. Hunting of this
relatively large-bodied squirrel undoubtedly occurs and is
legal (with a license) in Sabah (Malaysia). Tufted ground
squirrels cause damage in forest gardens and are considered
destructive by some local residents. R. macrotis is probably
extremely sensitive to logging.general references: Ambu et al. 2009; Azlan and Lading
2006; Blate et al. 1998; Corlett 1998; Kurland 1973; MacKin-
non 1996; Meijaard and Sheil 2008; J. Payne and Francis
1985; Salafsky 1993.Sciurus Linnaeus, 1758
This genus is the most speciose, with 28 members.
Sciurus aberti (Woodhouse, 1853)
Abert’s Squirrel
description: S. aberti is a large tree squirrel with a gray to
charcoal dorsum, often with a medial reddish band; a white
venter; a slate tail, frosted with white; and conspicuous ear
tufts that are especially prominent in winter. Melanism is
common, especially in the northern portions of the range.
S. a. kaibabensis has an entirely charcoal body with a white
tail.
size: Female—HB 262.3 mm; T 221.7 mm; Mass 618.6 g.
Male—HB 274.0 mm; T 208.0 mm; Mass 593.8 g.
distribution: This species is found in Wyoming south
through the Rocky Mountains in Utah, Colorado, Arizona,
and New Mexico (USA), and the Sierra Madre in Sonora,
Chihuahua, and Durango (México). This species’ range has
been increased within Arizona and New Mexico by pur-
poseful introductions.
geographic variation: Six subspecies are recognized.
S. a. aberti—central Arizona (south of the Grand Canyon),
southeastern Utah, southwestern Colorado, and western
New Mexico (USA). It has a steel gray back, usually with
a narrow medial reddish band and a lateral black band.
The venter is normally white (rarely black), and the tail
is white below and frosted black above. Abert’s squirrels
in the Hualapai Mountains of western Arizona, as well as
the Pinaleño and Santa Catalina mountains of southern
Arizona, are introduced populations of S. a. aberti.
S. a. barberi—western Chihuahua (México). It is the largest
of the subspecies. It has a steel gray back with a lateral
black band and (usually) a mid-dorsal reddish patch. The
body and tail are white ventrally; and the tail is gray
black on the dorsal side, with scattered white hairs.
S. a. chuscensis—northern part of the Arizona–New Mexico
line (USA). It has a steel gray back, with a mid-dorsal
reddish patch and a black lateral band. The body and
tail are white ventrally, and the tail black dorsally, with
frosting.
S. a. durangi—western Chihuahua and Durango (México). It
is the smallest of the subspecies, with the tail relatively
long compared with body length. The head and body are
steel gray dorsally, usually with a mid-dorsal reddish
patch and a lateral black band. The ventral side of both