Sanborn's squirrel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sanborn's squirrel |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sciurus
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| Species: |
sanborni
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The Sanborn's squirrel (Sciurus sanborni) is a type of tree squirrel. Scientists first described it in 1944. They learned about it from the skin and skeleton of one female squirrel. This squirrel was found in Peru in 1941.
Over the years, only a few more Sanborn's squirrels were seen or collected. These sightings happened in the Madre de Dios and northern Puno areas of Peru. One squirrel was also seen in the Pando area of Bolivia in 1992.
About Sanborn's Squirrel
In 2019, experts said the Sanborn's squirrel lives only in Peru. This means it is endemic to Peru. Later, in 2015, scientists decided something new. They said the Sanborn's squirrel is actually the same as a subspecies of another squirrel. That squirrel is called Notosciurus pucheranii ssp. boliviensis. So, Sciurus sanborni is now considered part of that group.
Where Sanborn's Squirrel Lives
This squirrel's habitat is in tropical dry broadleaf forests. These are forests that have a dry season. They live at elevations up to 570 meters (about 1,870 feet) above sea level.
Why Sanborn's Squirrel Needs Help
Scientists think the Sanborn's squirrel might be rare. It could also be at risk because of deforestation. Deforestation is when forests are cut down. This takes away the squirrel's home. We don't know if the number of these squirrels is going up or down. More research is needed to understand their population.
