Sciurus ignitus (Gray, 1867)

Nomenclature and Basic Classification

Bolivian squirrels, with the scientific name Sciurus ignitus (Gray, 1867), are moderately sized tree squirrels.

Body and Tail Length

They have a head-body length of 14 to 22 cm (5.5 to 8.7 in), and a tail of approximately the same length as their head and body.

Adult Weight

Adult Bolivian squirrels weigh between 183 and 242 g (6.5 to 8.5 oz).

General Fur Coloration

Most of their fur is dark olive, patterned with black and yellow ticking, and fades to pale grey or whitish on the chest and underparts.

Distinctive Markings

Faint rings of buff-coloured fur surround their eyes, and there are distinct patches of buff fur on the backs of their ears.

Female Reproductive Anatomy

Female individuals have three pairs of teats.

Geographic Range

This species lives along the eastern edge of the Andes, ranging from Peru, through Bolivia and Brazil, to extreme northern Argentina.

Habitat and Elevation Range

Precise details of its preferred habitat are not confirmed, but individuals have been found in both lowland and montane tropical forests, at elevations from 200 to 2,700 m (660 to 8,860 ft).

Recognized Subspecies

Five subspecies are currently recognised: S. i. ignitus is found in northern Bolivia, S. i. argentinius is found in Argentina, S. i. boliviensis is found in central and southern Bolivia, S. i. cabrerai is only known from a single partial specimen collected in Brazil, and S. i. irroratus is found in Peru and western Brazil.