58 Sciurus igniventrissize: Both sexes—HB 240–295 mm; T 240–305 mm; Mass
500–900 g.
distribution: This species is found in Colombia, Venezu-
ela, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil.
geographic variation: Two subspecies are recognized.
S. i. igniventris—eastern part of the range, in Venezuela, Bra-
zil, and eastern Peru. This form has an ochraceous red-
dish dorsum, with a ferruginous venter.
S. i. cocalis—western part of the range, in Colombia, Ecua-
dor, and northern Peru. This subspecies has a dark black-
ish median band from head to tail, with a pale ochra-
ceous buff venter.
conservation: IUCN status—least concern. Population
trend—no information.
habitat: Northern Amazon red squirrels inhabit the low-
land forests of the Amazon.
natural history: This species is diurnal. Northern Ama-
zon red squirrels are specialists on large tree seeds with ex-
tremely thick hard endocarps. The squirrel’s body size and
skull characteristics are well adapted to the challenge of
opening these large protected food sources. S. igniventris is
common in mature and disturbed rainforests, and it is often
seen on the ground, in low undergrowth, and in the vicinity
of palm trees. Individuals live and forage alone, only occa-
siona lly interacting with others at concentrated food sources.
Open areas are not often used; instead, foraging takes place in
all levels of the canopy, with about 10 percent of the time
spent on the ground. Travel and feeding most often occur in
the canopy. Primarily herbivores, northern Amazon red
squirrels feed on the nuts and fruits of palms and other trees;
however, they will eat insects gleaned from among lianas. S.
igniventris is often the major seed predator of a tree. Seeds are
collected as soon as they are ripe, and the supply is used by
these squirrels until it is exhausted. Their loud gnawing to
reach the endosperm through its thick coverings is an excel-
lent indicator of their presence. Northern Amazon red squir-
rels are easily fl ushed, and they run away through the under-
grow th along the ground when alarmed. They rarely call, but
when threatened they produce an alarm call that is a low-
frequency short series of “chatters” and “chucks.” S. igniven-
tris populations decrease in areas where it is hunted for food.
The desirability of northern Amazon red squirrels as a food
source varies considerably with location; in some regions its
meat is highly valued, while in other areas squirrels are not
viewed as food. In many regions northern Amazon red squir-
rels are valued as pets and sold in the pet trade.general references: Emmons 1984; Emmons and Feer
1990; Mena-Valenzuela 1998; Patton 1984; Silvius 2002; You-
latos 1999; Zapata-Ríos 2001.Sciurus lis (Temminck, 1844)
Japanese Squirreldescription: Japanese squirrels have a brown dorsum that
is heavily suff used with red. Patches of orange occur low on
the sides and on the shoulders and hips. A faint white to buff
eye ring is often visible. The venter is white. The tail is simi-
lar in color to the dorsum, with a light frosting of white to
buff sometimes in evidence. The winter pelage is much
grayer on the dorsum and tail.size: Both sexes—HB 160–220 mm; T 130–170 mm; Mass
250–310 g.distribution: This species was previously found on the
islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu (Japan). It is
believed to be extirpated from the island of Kyushu,
however.geographic variation: None.