Mexican gray squirrel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mexican gray squirrel |
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| Conservation status | |
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Sciurus
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| Species: |
aureogaster
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| Mexican gray squirrel range | |
The Mexican gray squirrel (also called the red-bellied squirrel) is a type of tree squirrel. Its scientific name is Sciurus aureogaster. These squirrels live naturally in Guatemala and the eastern and southern parts of Mexico. They have also been brought to the Florida Keys in the United States.
It's important not to confuse the Mexican gray squirrel with other squirrels that also have "red-bellied" in their names, like the Indonesian red-bellied squirrel or the Asian red-bellied tree squirrel.
Squirrel Behavior
Since Mexican gray squirrels were first brought to Florida in the late 1930s, they have started building their nests in many different places. They don't just stick to one type of tree. Sometimes, they even build nests in piles of debris left behind by hurricanes! This shows how adaptable they are.
Impact on Nature
The Mexican gray squirrel has caused some problems for a type of palm tree called Thrinax radiata on Elliot Key in Florida. These squirrels use the strong fibers from the palm trees to build their nests. They also eat parts of the palm tree itself. This can often harm or even kill the palm plants, which is not good for the local ecosystem.
Types of Mexican Gray Squirrels
There are two main types, or subspecies, of the Mexican gray squirrel. These are S. a. aureogaster and S. a. nigrescens. Scientists use these names to tell the different groups apart.
See also
- In Spanish: Ardilla gris mexicana para niños
