Squirrels of the World

Sciurus richmondi 67

conservation: IUCN status—data defi cient. Population
trend—no information. S. pyrrhinus is classifi ed as vulnera-
ble within Peru.

habitat: Junin red squirrels are found in montane forests,
at elevations from 600 to 2500 m.

natural history: This species is diurnal. The ecology
and evolutionary relationships of S. pyrrhinus are very
poorly known. A lactating female was taken in January.
These squirrels are commonly observed visiting clay licks,
both to eat clay individually and in small groups, suggesting
some intraspecifi c tolerance. Individuals were reported to
play during the visits. The Junin red squirrel is considered a
rare endemic in Peru.

general references: J. A. Allen 1915; Eisenberg and Red-
ford 1999; Emmons and Feer 1990; Hammer and Tatum-
Hume 2003; Pacheco 2002; Pacheco, Cadenillas, et al. 2009.

Sciurus richmondi (Nelson, 1898)

Richmond’s Squirrel

description: Richmond’s squirrel has a dorsum that is
nearly uniform dark brown washed with ochraceous. The
venter is yellow buff or yellow orange. The tail is the same
color as the dorsum above and tawny ochraceous below.

size: Both sexes—HB 160–218 mm; T 130–184 mm; Mass

235–268 g.

distribution: This species occurs in Nicaragua.

geographic variation: None.

conservation: IUCN status—near threatened. Population

trend—no information.

habitat: Richmond’s squirrels are found in lowland ma-

ture primary and gallery forests that are often associated

with riparian zones. They can also be found in plantations

and secondary forests.

natural history: This species is diurnal. Richmond’s

squirrels forage on the ground and in the lower branches

of trees and on tree trunks, rarely in the canopy. Appar-

ently this species is solitary. The breeding season is pro-

longed, extending from February to September; litters of

two to three young are produced in nests. Due both to

their small range and to signifi cant forest loss and frag-

mentation, Richmond’s squirrels may face a considerable

conservation challenge.

general references: J. K. Jones and Genoways 1971,

1975; Pine 1971; F. A. Reid 1997; Ulmer 1995.