Sciurus anomalus Gmelin, 1778

Taxonomic Identity

Caucasian squirrels (scientific name: Sciurus anomalus Gmelin, 1778) are small tree squirrels.

Size and Weight

They have a total length of 32 to 36 cm (13 to 14 in), which includes a 13 to 18 cm (5.1 to 7.1 in) tail, and weigh between 250 to 410 g (8.8 to 14.5 oz).

Body Coloration

The fur color of the upper body ranges from greyish brown to pale grey, varying by subspecies. The underparts are colored rusty brown to yellowish, and the tail ranges from yellow brown to deep red.

Morphological Features

Compared to other tree squirrels, Caucasian squirrels have relatively short claws, and females have either eight or ten teats.

Historical Description

In 1885, Samuel Griswold Goodrich described the species as having grayish-brown coloration on the upper body, and yellowish-brown coloration on the underparts.

Native Range

Caucasian squirrels are native to south-western Asia. Their range extends from Turkey, and the islands of Gökçeada and Lesbos in the west, to Iran in the southeast, and reaches as far south as Israel and Jordan.

Genus Distribution Context

It is one of only two species from the genus Sciurus found on Mediterranean islands. Even though Eurasian red squirrels have been introduced to some areas of the region recently, the Caucasian squirrel remains the only native Sciurus species in this wider region.

Habitat and Elevation

The species primarily inhabits forested areas dominated by oak, pine, and pistachio, and can be found up to altitudes of 2,000 metres (6,600 ft).

Subspecies

Three subspecies are currently recognised: S. a. anomalus, found in Turkey and the Caucasus; S. a. pallescens, found in the Zagros Mountains from south-eastern Turkey to Iran; and S. a. syriacus, found in Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Jordan.