Smith's Bush Squirrel

Description:

The total length is 350 mm, half of which is tail. This species only weighs 200 gram. 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. Colouration on the chest varies from yellowish to buffy in the east, to white in the west. The Tree Squirrels' bellies are white. These alert and ever busy creatures carry their long tails extended backwards.

Habitat:

Inhabits savanna woodlands, inclusive of a wide variety of woodland types. It favours trees with suitable holes for nesting, such as the Colophospermum Mopane tree, commonly called Mopane. Failing the availability of nesting crevices in trees, will sometimes use holes in the ground.

Notes:

Courtship and mating occurs during August. They give birth to one to three pups during October to November, after a gestation period of 56 days. Pups are weaned at six weeks and leave the nest to feed on its own at the age of only 19 days.