Yellow-throated squirrel

Yellow-throated squirrel
A gray squirrel with yellow underbody fur, clinging to a tree
Mato Grosso, Brazil
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Sciuridae
Genus: Sciurus
Species:
S. gilvigularis
Binomial name
Sciurus gilvigularis
Wagner, 1842
Subspecies
  • S. g. gilvigularis
  • S. g. paraensis
Yellow-throated squirrel's range

The yellow-throated squirrel (Sciurus gilvigularis) is a tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus endemic to South America. It is found in Brazil, Guyana and Venezuela.

Description

Yellow-throated squirrels are colored buff-and-black on their upper bodies. Their ventral fur is orange, tending to be darkest on the upper chest and fading to a paler color on the throat and belly. The tail is grizzled with black and buff, and may display faint bands.

Distribution and habitat

The species' range is poorly studied. Disjunct populations are known to exist in Venezuela, Guyana, and northern Brazil. They are found primarily in coastal forests dominated by palms, lianas, and rattans. They are not recorded in secondary or disturbed forests.

Ecology and behavior

Yellow-throated squirrels feed primarily on palm seeds and fruits. The seeds of the maripa palm in particular are a major food source.

References

  1. ↑ Amori, G.; Koprowski, J.; Roth, L. (2019). "Sciurus gilvigularis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019 e.T20009A22247528. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T20009A22247528.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ↑ Thorington, R.W. Jr.; Hoffmann, R.S. (2005). "Sciurus (Guerlinguetus) gilvigularis". In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: a taxonomic and geographic reference (3rd ed.). The Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 754–818. ISBN 0-8018-8221-4. OCLC 26158608.
  3. 1 2 3 Thorington, Richard W.; Koprowski, John L.; Steele, Michael A.; Whatton, James F. (2012). "Sciurus gilvigularis (Wagner, 1842)) Yellow-Throated Squirrel". Squirrels of the World. Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 51. ISBN 9781421404691. OCLC 821734054. Retrieved 1 Jun 2026.