Smiths bush squirrel

Description:

The total length is 350 mm, half of which is tail. This species only weighs 200 grams. The coat colour varies throughout the region. In the western and arid parts of its range it is pale grey, and in the eastern localities more brown. Head and legs are a rusty colour. This fellow found a piece of a ginger-cookie, hopefully it made his day...

Habitat:

Olifant bush camp, surrounded by savanna woodland. Kruger National Park.

Notes:

This species is present in southern Central Africa, East Africa and northern parts of Southern Africa. It ranges from southwestern Tanzania to southern Mozambique and westwards to south-eastern Angola and northeastern Namibia, being found as far south as northeastern South Africa. Essentially arboreal animals, but spend a great deal of time on the ground, foraging for food. When disturbed, Tree Squirrels will always seek the refuge of trees. During the night, territorial family groups nest together in holes in trees. Offspring become sexually mature between six to nine months, at which stage they are forcibly evicted by the breeding pair. The males are mainly responsible for territorial defense, although females will also chase intruders when she cares for dependent pups. To promote group cohesion, a common scent is shared by mutual grooming, which is an important facet of the social fibre of this species. Tree Squirrels are diligent in their grooming and a mother tree squirrel will hold her offspring down with her forelegs while grooming the little animal with licks, nibbles and the use of her claws.