About Sciurus pucheranii (Fitzinger, 1867)
The Andean squirrel, scientifically named Sciurus pucheranii, is a typical tree squirrel that generally resembles the North American Eastern grey squirrel in overall body proportions, but is much smaller. Its body length is around 14 centimetres (5.5 in), while its tail measures between 12 and 16 centimetres (4.7 to 6.3 in). Few weight records exist, but most individuals are thought to weigh between 100 and 140 grams (3.5 and 4.9 oz). Most of its body is covered in soft, silky, reddish-brown fur, which transitions to greyish-yellow on the underparts. The fur of its tail is darker than the fur on its body. Some Andean squirrels have a distinctive dark stripe along their flanks, and may also have a black patch on the back of the head. Female Andean squirrels have six teats. This species lives in montane rain forest and cloud forest in the Cordillera Occidental and Cordillera Central of the Colombian Andes, at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,300 metres (6,600 to 10,800 ft). As a tree squirrel, it dwells among Cecropia trees, palms, and tree ferns. It is thought to be diurnal, but too little is currently known about its behavior, population status, and habitat needs, so the IUCN currently lists it as data deficient.
