66 Sciurus pucheraniiof Colombia. It usually lacks a midline and possesses
brownish gray underparts, with the pectoral region
tinged in buff.
S. p. caucensis—western Andes of Colombia. It usually lacks
a midline and possesses brownish underparts washed
with ochraceous buff.
S. p. medellinensis—the type specimen is from near the city
of Medellín (Colombia). This form usually has a blackish
midline and a venter washed with white.
conservation: IUCN status—data defi cient. Population
trend—no information.
habitat: Andean squirrels inhabit sub-Andean and An-
dean forests, at elevations from 2200 to 3500 m.
natural history: This species is diurnal. Nothing is
known about the ecology of Andean squirrels. Their dense
soft fur refl ects the high elevations and cold, moist environ-
ments to which S. pucheranii is exposed. Forests at these el-
evations are still dense and tall (35 m). The larger red-tailed
squirrels (Sciurus granatensis) repeatedly chased Andean
squirrels away from eating sap. Deforestation and fragmen-
tation are increasing in the Colombian Andean Cordilleras;
reforestation programs are underway. Given their small
size, Andean squirrels are probably not subjected to signifi -
cant hunting pressure.
general references: J. A. Allen 1915; Hernandez- Camacho
1960; Hershkovitz 1977; Leonard et al. 2009.
Sciurus pyrrhinus (Thomas, 1898)
Junin Red Squirreldescription: Junin red squirrels have a lush dark red dor-
sal pelage, sometimes with fl ecks of white. The venter is
strikingly colored, from orange to cream to white, some-
times with patches of each. The tail is orangish red at the tip
and is decidedly more chestnut to black toward the base.size: Both sexes—HB 240–280 mm; T 208–240 mm.distribution: This species is found on the eastern slopes
of the Andes in Peru.geographic variation: None.Sciurus pucheranii. Photo courtesy Martin Reid, http://www.martin
reid.com.Sciurus pucheranii. Photo courtesy Martin Reid, http://www.martin
reid.com.