Guayaquil Squirrel (Sciurus stramineus) lives in tropical dry forest across South America. It feeds on fruits and seeds. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
Fascinating facts about the Guayaquil Squirrel
- The Guayaquil squirrel includes a very rare melanistic form that is almost entirely black. This morph is characterised by black fur covering nearly the whole body, leaving only a distinct white patch on the collar and a few occasional white spots on the back. Its rarity and striking colour set it apart from the more common pale and darker morphs that dominate the species' range.
- Guayaquil squirrels are relatively heavily built, weighing around 470 grams, which gives them a robust appearance compared with many other tree squirrels. Their head-body length ranges from 18 to 32 centimetres, and they possess a long tail measuring 25 to 33 centimetres, proportions that reinforce their solid build. These dimensions, together with their weight, underline why they are described as heavily built and robust in the literature.
- In urban environments Guayaquil squirrels live in close proximity to people and have been identified as potential carriers of leptospirosis and Chagas disease. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in cities, where they can find food and shelter among human structures. Because they are diurnal and arboreal, they often move through gardens and parks during daylight, increasing the chance of contact with humans and the spread of these pathogens.
- A small population of Guayaquil squirrels has been introduced to parks in Lima, extending the species beyond its native range. In the wild the species occupies southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru, inhabiting dry to humid forests on the western Andes slopes. It can be found from 300 to 2 000 metres elevation and even in coffee plantations, showing its adaptability to varied habitats.
- Their nests are built from woven sticks, about 30 centimetres across, and are suspended high in the canopy, typically over 5 metres above the ground. These structures provide a safe refuge for the diurnal, arboreal squirrels that spend most of their lives in trees. The elevated nests protect them from ground predators and harsh weather while they rear their young.
Sources
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At a glance
RangeSouth America
HabitatTropical dry forest
DietFruits and seeds
About the Guayaquil Squirrel
In the lush canopies of Ecuador's tropical forests, the Guayaquil squirrel darts with effortless agility, its rusty-red fur glistening like embers as it weaves through the dense foliage with an air of nimble nonchalance. With each leap, its long, slender tail acts as a counterbalance, allowing it to pivot and change direction with remarkable precision, as if dancing on the very tips of the branches. As it forages for nuts and seeds, its large, dark eyes shine with a keen intelligence, illuminating the intricate social dynamics of this charismatic creature.
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