56 Sciurus griseus(S. carolinensis) and eastern fox squirrels (S. niger), and poor
regeneration of oak woodlands.
general references: Bayrakçi et al. 2001; Carraway and
Verts 1994; Garrison et al. 2005; Gregory et al. 2010; Linders
et al. 2004; Mellink and Contreras 1993; Ryan and Carey
1995.
Sciurus ignitus (Gray, 1867)
Bolivian Squirrel
description: Bolivian squirrels have an agouti brown gray
dorsum, with protruding ears and a postauricular buff y
patch. The venter is whitish buff to pale orange. The tail is
the same as the dorsum, but often frosted in yellow to pale
orange.
size: Both sexes—HB 140–202 mm; T 150–199 mm; Mass
183–242 g.
distribution: This species is found in Peru, Brazil, Boli-
via, and Argentina.
geographic variation: Five subspecies are recognized.
S. i. ignitus—east of the Andes, in Bolivia and adjacent Peru.
This form has an ochraceous buff venter.
S. i. argentinius—from Bolivia into extreme northwestern
Argentina. This subspecies is distinguished by a yellow-
ish venter and a pinkish to reddish tinge to the ears.
S. i. boliviensis—much of Bolivia. This is a large-bodied form,
with a white venter.
S. i. cabrerai—Brazil. The dorsal surface is dark chestnut
grizzled by reddish hair tips. The ears are edged in or-
ange hairs, with the remainder of the ears fulvous. There
is a distinct postauricular tuft of fulvous fur. The upper
surface of the hands and feet are reddish.
S. i. irroratus—Peru, east of the Andes. This subspecies has a
yellow venter.conservation: IUCN status—data defi cient. Population
trend—no information.habitat: Bolivian squirrels are found primarily in ever-
green lowland tropical forests, which are transitional be-
tween humid tropical forests and dry tropical forests. S. ig-
nitus can also be found in disturbed forests.natural history: This species is diurnal. Bolivian squir-
rels use all but the highest strata of the forest and will travel
on the ground, often in dense vegetation. S. ignitus is soli-
tary, and it nests high in the canopy (6–10 m), in bolus-
shaped leaf nests hidden in vines or palms. It forages in
cover for seeds, nuts, fruits, and fungi, and it will eat insects.
When alarmed, this squirrel gives a series of slow soft
“chucks.” It is rarely hunted and not considered a pest.Sciurus ignitus. Photo courtesy Fabrice Schmitt.