Smith's bush squirrel

Smith - Bush Squirrel

The Smith - Bush Squirrel ( Paraxerus cepapi ), also known as Wicked Bush Squirrel or Gelbfußbuschhörnchen, is a type of African Bush Squirrel, a species of squirrel. It is used in large parts of southeastern Africa in ten sub-species and forms social family groups.

Appearance and characteristics

The Smith Bush Squirrel reached a total length of about 35 centimeters, wherein the tail takes up approximately half of the length. The weight varies, living in South Africa animals weigh about 200 grams.

The coat color of the body top, depending on the population vary. To the west of the range of the squirrel are more greyish, brownish in the east, the east fauna may also have red-brown extremities and the face. The body underside is white, tends in the eastern area of ​​distribution but also often in a yellowish or beige tint.

The body is typical of species of the genus Paraxerus, the tail is bushy but less than in some related species such as Paraxerus palliatus.

The differences between the ten subspecies of the Smith -Busch squirrel amount to minor differences in color and size and are difficult to determine.

Distribution and habitat

Smith - Bush Squirrel can be found in many parts of south-eastern Africa. In addition to the Northern South Africa and southern Mozambique they come in Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana, Angola and the southeastern parts of north-eastern Namibia. As a Preferred habitat type selected sparse forests and tree collections in the savannah. Nests are preferably built in knot holes and cavities in trees, but it also happens that caves are inhabited.

Behavior and diet

The diurnal Smith - Bush Squirrel show a pronounced social behavior. They live together in different sized family groups who hold territorially an area of a size of about 0.3 to 1.26 ha, that is specifically defended aggressively by the males. The territory is marked by scent marks in the form of feces or saliva.

The family groups sleep together in one building and spend the day together. They identify the individual odor of the group.

In addition, in the way an acoustic communication is pronounced the amounts in various tones. The repertoire ranges from a throaty gurgle up to whistles.

If risk of predation threatens the animals react differently. If a bird of prey spotted in the air, the group members flee immediately into hiding. When on the ground approaching predators such as snakes and mongooses, they have a defense behavior which manifests itself in sounds and body language. Thus, for example, is thrown over the body of the cock.

Nutrition

Smith Bush Squirrel are omnivorous and feed on both plants and insects. Within the territory lay the family groups also food supplies.

Reproduction

The mating season includes the late summer and early autumn months. The females give birth to 1-3 cubs, which they suckle about 6 weeks.

System

There are the following subtypes:

  • Paraxerus cepapi cepapi
  • Paraxerus cepapi bororensis
  • Paraxerus cepapi carpi
  • Paraxerus cepapi cepapoides
  • Paraxerus cepapi chobiensis
  • Paraxerus cepapi phalaena
  • Paraxerus cepapi quotus
  • Paraxerus cepapi sindi
  • Paraxerus cepapi soccatus
  • Paraxerus cepapi yulei

Endangering

The IUCN lists the Smith - Bush Squirrel as "least concern", that is not endangered.

Andrew Smith (zoologist) Don E. Wilson
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