Mexican gray squirrel

Rotbauchhörnchen (Sciurus aureogaster )

The Rotbauchhörnchen (Sciurus aureogaster ) is a representative of the squirrels.

Features

Rotbauchhörnchen the off-white fur and a reddish abdomen. Sometimes they are also black, gray kittens. The normal length is 42 to 55 cm. The bushy tail is 20 to 30 cm long.

Distribution and habitat

The Rotbauchhörnchen is found in southern Mexico and Guatemala. In addition, it has been introduced on several islands of the Florida Keys. Here they live in deciduous and tropical forests up to 3800 m.

Way of life

Especially in the morning hours are the Rotbauchhörnchen foraging. Often they have a favorite tree, where they have their nest or den. But you also use caves in other trees, for example, in order to escape predators. In the dry season the females give birth to two to four young.

Food

Main diet are fruits, such as papaya, but also coconuts and palm Sargent. Other crops and nuts are eaten when no fruit is available.