African pygmy squirrel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids African pygmy squirrel |
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| Range map of the African pygmy squirrel |
The African pygmy squirrel (Myosciurus pumilio) is a tiny rodent. It belongs to the Sciuridae family, which includes all squirrels. This special squirrel is the only one in its genus called Myosciurus. You can find it in the warm, wet rainforests of Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.
It's not currently considered in danger. However, its numbers might be going down in some places. This is mainly because its forest home is shrinking. The African pygmy squirrel is one of the smallest squirrels in the world. It measures about 12–14 cm (4.7–5.5 in) long. It weighs only 15–18 g (0.53–0.63 oz), which is less than a typical house mouse!
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Where Do Pygmy Squirrels Live?
African pygmy squirrels are active during the day. They live high up in the trees. These tiny squirrels are found in many forests across Central Africa. They prefer the lower parts of the forest canopy. They spend most of their time at heights up to five meters from the ground.
What Do They Look Like?
African pygmy squirrels are the smallest squirrel species on Earth. Their back legs are longer than their front legs. They have a curved skull and special cheek teeth. Their front teeth (incisors) keep growing throughout their lives.
Their small bodies look more like a mouse than a typical squirrel. Their eyes and ears are round. They have white edges around them. Their fur is light olive-white on their belly. It is buffy umber brown on their upper parts. An adult squirrel usually weighs about 16.5 grams (0.58 oz).
Females are slightly smaller than males. However, male skulls are a bit smaller than female skulls. Their head and body are about 60–75 mm (2.4–3.0 in) long. Their tail measures about 50–60 mm (2.0–2.4 in) in length.
How Do Pygmy Squirrels Behave?
African pygmy squirrels live in trees. They are busy during the day, always looking for food. Because they are so small, they need to eat often. They are the only squirrel species known to travel both upside down and right-side up on tree branches!
African pygmy squirrels usually live alone. However, they have been seen with other squirrels sometimes. They do not gather in groups to fight off predators.
How Do They Communicate?
African pygmy squirrels have excellent hearing, vision, and smell. They use their vibrissae (whiskers) to help them move around tree trunks and branches.
When there's danger, they make a quiet alarm sound. It's described as a "faint pipping sound." This sound seems to warn other squirrels or their young about nearby threats.
What Do Pygmy Squirrels Eat?
Unlike many squirrels, African pygmy squirrels do not hide and store their food. They are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. These squirrels eat bark scrapings, insects, and fruit.
Scientists think that oily spores from tiny fungi might be a main food source. They get these spores from tree bark. African pygmy squirrels are always busy picking food from bark.
Who Are Their Predators?
African pygmy squirrels can be hunted by birds of prey. Other known predators include civets, snakes, and army ants. These squirrels have a special fur color that helps them blend in. They also stay alert to protect themselves from danger.
Are They in Danger?
The biggest threat to the African pygmy squirrel is deforestation. This means forests are being cut down. Habitat degradation also harms them. It reduces the places where they can live. This is a problem because they need specific forest homes.
In Central Africa, there are issues like illegal logging and a growing human population. These things also threaten the squirrels. The good news is that the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has changed their status. From 1994 to 2004, they were listed as "vulnerable." Now, they are listed as "least concern." This means they are not currently at high risk of extinction.
Images for kids
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Range map of the African pygmy squirrel
