One of the 13 squirrels on WAnimals
Mammals · Rodentia · Sciuridae
Red-bellied Squirrel
Sciurus aureogaster
Least Concern
The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk.
The Mexican grey squirrel is the commonest tree squirrel in Mexico, found from montane pine and oak forest to warm rainforest and city parks. Its colouring is highly variable: grey, reddish and completely black individuals occur within a single population. It feeds on acorns, pine seeds, fruit and insects, and buries seeds that it does not always recover, contributing to forest regeneration. It has been introduced to Florida and to the Canary Islands.
Weight
350 g – 700 g
Size
24 cm – 33 cm
Life expectancy
10 years
