Kingdom Animalia Order Rodentia Genus Sciurus Scientific name Sciurus pyrrhinus Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Family Sciuridae Subgenus Hadrosciurus Higher classification Tree squirrels | |
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Similar Richmond's squirrel, Andean squirrel, Collie's squirrel, Northern Amazon red squirrel, Allen's squirrel | ||
The Junín red squirrel (Sciurus pyrrhinus) is a species of squirrel endemic to Peru.
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Description
The Junín red squirrel is a relatively large tree squirrel, having a head-body length of about 25 cm (9.8 in). The majority of the body is covered in dark red fur, grizzled with black, fading to a chestnut brown on the tail, which is slightly shorter than the combined head and body. The underparts vary in colour between individuals, being white, red, or some shade in between. The whiskers and the edges of the ears are black.
Distribution and biology
The squirrel is only known to inhabit the eastern slopes of the Andes in central Peru, from Huánuco in the north to Ayacuchco and Cusco in the south, although it may also live further east, perhaps as far as the Bolivian border, and north as far as Ecuador. Within this region it inhabits both lowland rainforests and higher, montane, forests.
Little is known about the squirrel's biology and behaviour. They are known to be diurnal and arboreal, and are often seen in small groups, suggesting that they are not strongly territorial. Lactating females, presumably nursing young, have been identified in January. They are thought to be relatively numerous, and to tolerate human activity such as logging and hunting better than some other squirrels, but their limited range has led to them being classified as "Vulnerable" by the Peruvian Ministry of the Environment.