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{{Short description|Species of rodent}}
{{Taxobox
{{Speciesbox
| name = Amazon Dwarf Squirrel
| name = Amazon dwarf squirrel
⚫
| status = DD
| image = Microsciurus flaviventer - Amazon Dwarf Squirrel, Serra do Divisor National Park, Acre, Brazil.jpg
⚫
| status_system = iucn3.1
⚫
| status = LC
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{IUCN2008|assessors=Amori, G., Koprowski, J. & Roth, L.|year=2008|id=13410|title=Microsciurus flaviventer|downloaded=6 January 2009}}</ref>
⚫
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Koprowski, J. |author2=Roach, N. |date=2019 |title=''Microsciurus flaviventer'' |volume=2019 |page=e.T13410A22255256 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T13410A22255256.en |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
| classis = [[Mammal]]ia
| genus = Microsciurus
| ordo = [[Rodent]]ia
| species = flaviventer
⚫
| authority = ([[John Edward Gray|J. E. Gray]], 1867)
| familia = [[Sciuridae]]
| genus = ''[[Microsciurus]]''
| species = '''''M. flaviventer'''''
⚫
| binomial = ''Microsciurus flaviventer''
⚫
| binomial_authority = ([[John Edward Gray|Gray]], 1867)
| subdivision_ranks = [[Subspecies]]<ref name="Thorington"/>
| range_map = Microsciurus flaviventer range map.svg
| range_map = Microsciurus flaviventer range map.svg
⚫
| range_map_caption = Amazon dwarf squirrel range
| range_map_width = 200px
⚫
| range_map_caption = Amazon Dwarf Squirrel range
}}
}}

The '''Amazon dwarf squirrel''' or '''Guianan squirrel''' (''Microsciurus flaviventer'') is a [[chipmunk]]-sized [[tree squirrel]] native to [[South America]].
The '''Amazon dwarf squirrel''' ('''''Microsciurus flaviventer''''') is a [[chipmunk]]-sized [[tree squirrel]] native to [[South America]].


==Description==
==Description==
As its name suggests, the Amazon dwarf squirrel is relatively small, with a head-body length of {{convert|12|to|16|cm|abbr=on}} and a tail {{convert|8|to|16|cm|abbr=on}} long. Adults weigh between {{convert|86|and|132|g|abbr=on}}, with males being slightly larger than females.<ref name=Hayssen2008>{{cite journal | author = Hayssen, V. | date = August 2008 | title = Patterns of body and tail length and body mass in Sciuridae | journal = Journal of Mammalogy | volume = 89 | issue = 4 | pages = 852-873 | doi = 10.1644/07-MAMM-A-217.1}}</ref> The fur varies from reddish to dull brown, fading gradually to yellow or greyish on the underparts. There is a distinctive patch of pale yellow fur behind the ears, while the tail has faint yellowish bands and white frosting.<ref name=Jessen2016>{{cite journal | authors = Jessen, T.G., et al. | date = August 2016 | title = ''Microsciurus flaviventer'' (Rodentia: Sciuridae) | journal = Mammalian Species | volume = 48 | issue = 935 | pages = 59-65 | doi = 10.1093/mspecies/sew006}}</ref>
As its name suggests, the Amazon dwarf squirrel is relatively small, with a head-body length of {{convert|12|to|16|cm|abbr=on}} and a tail {{convert|8|to|16|cm|abbr=on}} long. Adults weigh between {{convert|86|and|132|g|abbr=on}}, with males being slightly larger than females.<ref name=Hayssen2008>{{cite journal | author = Hayssen, V. | date = August 2008 | title = Patterns of body and tail length and body mass in Sciuridae | journal = Journal of Mammalogy | volume = 89 | issue = 4 | pages = 852–873 | doi = 10.1644/07-MAMM-A-217.1| doi-access = free }}</ref> The fur varies from reddish to dull brown, fading gradually to yellow or greyish on the underparts. There is a distinctive patch of pale yellow fur behind the ears, while the tail has faint yellowish bands and white frosting.<ref name=Jessen2016>{{cite journal | author = Jessen, T.G. | display-authors = etal | date = August 2016 | title = ''Microsciurus flaviventer'' (Rodentia: Sciuridae) | journal = Mammalian Species | volume = 48 | issue = 935 | pages = 59–65 | doi = 10.1093/mspecies/sew006| doi-access = free }}</ref>


The limbs are unusually long for tree squirrels. In the forelimbs, the [[humerus]] and [[radius (bone)|radius]] are of equal length, an adaptation thought to increase the squirrel's ability to climb large trees, compensating for a lack of shoulder mobility. The longer hindlimbs allow for stronger muscles, so that the squirrel can leap over larger gaps, relative to its size, than more typically sized squirrels can.<ref name=Jessen2016/>
The limbs are unusually long for tree squirrels. In the forelimbs, the [[humerus]] and [[radius (bone)|radius]] are of equal length, an adaptation thought to increase the squirrel's ability to climb large trees, compensating for a lack of shoulder mobility. The longer hindlimbs allow for stronger muscles, so that the squirrel can leap over larger gaps, relative to its size, than more typically sized squirrels can.<ref name=Jessen2016/>


==Distribution==
==Distribution and habitat==
The squirrels are found in the upper Amazon Basin, broadly west of the [[Purus River|Purus]] and [[Rio Negro (Amazon)|Rio Negro]] rivers, in [[Brazil]], [[Bolivia]], [[Peru]], [[Ecuador]], and [[Colombia]]. They typically inhabit evergreen [[tropical rainforest]]s at up to {{convert|2000|m|abbr=on}} elevation,<ref name=Jessen2016/> although they may sometimes be found in more disturbed habitats.<ref name=Mena2010>{{cite journal | author = Mena, J.L. | author2 = Medellin, R.A. | name-list-style = amp | date = January 2010 | title = Small mammal assemblages in a disturbed tropical landscape at Pozuzo, Peru | journal = Mammalian Biology | volume = 75 | issue = 1 | pages = 83–91 | doi = 10.1016/j.mambio.2009.08.006| bibcode = 2010MamBi..75...83M }}</ref>


===Subspecies===
===Subspecies===
The table below lists the eight recognized subspecies of ''Microsciurus flaviventer'', along with any synonyms associated with each subspecies:<ref name="Thorington">{{cite book|last1=Thorington|first1=R.W., Jr.|last2=Hoffmann|first2=R.S.|year=2005|pages=754–818|editor1-last=Wilson|editor1-first=D.E.|editor2-last=Reeder|editor2-first=D.M|url=http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3|chapter=Microsciurus flaviventer|chapterurl=http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12400050|title=Mammal Species of the World: a taxonomic and geographic reference|edition=3rd|publisher=The Johns Hopkins University Press|isbn=0-8018-8221-4|oclc=26158608}}</ref>
Eight subspecies of Amazon dwarf squirrel are generally recognised.<ref name="Thorington">{{cite book|last1=Thorington|first1=R.W. Jr.|last2=Hoffmann|first2=R.S.|year=2005|pages=754–818|editor1-last=Wilson|editor1-first=D.E.|editor2-last=Reeder|editor2-first=D.M|url=http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3|chapter=Microsciurus flaviventer|chapter-url=https://www.departments.bucknell.edu/biology/resources/msw3/browse.asp?id=12400050|title=Mammal Species of the World: a taxonomic and geographic reference|edition=3rd|publisher=The Johns Hopkins University Press|isbn=0-8018-8221-4|oclc=26158608}}</ref><ref name=Jessen2016/> Recent studies have indicated that the [[subspecies]] ''M. f. otinus'', ''M. f. sabanillae'', ''M. f. similis'', and ''M. f. simonsi'' are their<ref>{{cite journal |last1=de Abreu-Jr. |first1=E. F. |last2=Pavan |first2=S. E. |last3=Tsuchiya |first3=M. T. N. |last4=Wilson |first4=D. E. |last5=Percequillo |first5=A. R. |last6=Maldonado |first6=J. E. |title=Museomics of tree squirrels: a dense taxon sampling of mitogenomes reveals hidden diversity, phenotypic convergence, and the need of a taxonomic overhaul |journal=BMC Evolutionary Biology |date=26 June 2020 |volume=20 |issue=77 |page=77 |doi=10.1186/s12862-020-01639-y |doi-access=free |pmid=32590930 |pmc=7320592 |bibcode=2020BMCEE..20...77D }}</ref> own distinct [[species]] rather than subspecies. The same study also showed that ''M. f. otinus'' and ''M. f. similis'' are more closely related to ''[[Microsciurus mimulus]]'' and ''[[Sciurus pucheranii]]'' than they are to ''M. flaviventer''.


{| class="wikitable"
<br />
⚫
|+ ''Microsciurus flaviventer'' taxonomy
{| border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" align="center"
|-
|+'''''Microsciurus flaviventer''''' '''taxonomy'''
! Subspecies
|-align="center"
! Authority
! style="background:#efefef;" | '''Subspecies'''
! Synonyms
! style="background:#efefef;" | '''Authority'''
! Distribution
! style="background:#efefef;" | '''Synonyms'''
|-valign="top" align="left"
|-valign="top" align="left"
|width="5%"|''M. f. flaviventer''
|width="10%"|''M. f. flaviventer''
|width="7%"|Gray (1867)
|width="10%"|Gray (1867)
|width="10%"|''manarius''
|width="10%"|''manarius''
|width="15%"| Western Brazil, northeastern Peru
|-valign="top" align="left"
|-valign="top" align="left"
|width="5%"|''M. f. napi''
|width="10%"|''M. f. napi''
|width="7%"|Thomas (1900)
|width="10%"|Thomas (1900)
|width="10%"|''avunculus, florenciae''
|width="10%"|''avunculus, florenciae''
|width="15%"| Northeastern Ecuador
|-valign="top" align="left"
|-valign="top" align="left"
|width="5%"|''M. f. otinus''
|width="10%"|''M. f. otinus''
|width="7%"|Thomas (1901)
|width="10%"|Thomas (1901)
|width="10%"|none
|width="10%"|none
|width="15%"| Western Colombia
|-valign="top" align="left"
|-valign="top" align="left"
|width="5%"|''M. f. peruanus''
|width="10%"|''M. f. peruanus''
|width="7%"|J. A. Allen (1897)
|width="10%"|J. A. Allen (1897)
|width="10%"|none
|width="10%"|none
|width="15%"| Northern Peru
|-valign="top" align="left"
|-valign="top" align="left"
|width="5%"|''M. f. rubrirostris''
|width="10%"|''M. f. rubrirostris''
|width="7%"|J. A. Allen (1914)
|width="10%"|J. A. Allen (1914)
|width="10%"|''rubicollis''
|width="10%"|''rubicollis''
|width="15%"| Southern Peru
|-valign="top" align="left"
|-valign="top" align="left"
|width="5%"|''M. f. sabanillae''
|width="10%"|''M. f. sabanillae''
|width="7%"|Anthony (1922)
|width="10%"|Anthony (1922)
|width="10%"|none
|width="10%"|none
|width="15%"| Southern Ecuador
|-valign="top" align="left"
|-valign="top" align="left"
|width="5%"|''M. f. similis''
|width="10%"|''M. f. similis''
|width="7%"|Nelson (1899)
|width="10%"|Nelson (1899)
|width="10%"|none
|width="10%"|none
|width="15%"| Far western Colombia
|-valign="top" align="left"
|-valign="top" align="left"
|width="5%"|''M. f. simonsi''
|width="10%"|''M. f. simonsi''
|width="7%"|Thomas (1900)
|width="10%"|Thomas (1900)
|width="10%"|none
|width="10%"|none
|width="15%"| Central eastern Ecuador
|}
|}



==Biology and behaviour==
==Biology and behaviour==
The squirrels use all levels of the forest, from the ground to the tree canopy, but are most commonly found in the [[understory]]. They feed on arthropods, tree bark, and fungi, and have been observed to closely follow flocks of birds while foraging, although the reason for this is unclear. They are [[Diurnality|diurnal]] and highly [[Arboreal locomotion|arboreal]], even for tree squirrels, frequently jumping from branch to branch. They spend the night in nests formed from plant fibres, and located several metres above the ground.<ref name=Jessen2016/>
It is [[Diurnality|diurnal]] and [[Arboreal locomotion|arboreal]], coming to ground from time to time. Its diet consists of fruit, the [[latex]] of certain trees, and [[arthropod]]s. It is mostly [[Social organisation|solitary]], but may be found with others feeding on the same tree.

They are mostly [[Social organisation|solitary]], but may be found with others feeding on the same tree. Their calls include a bird-like "trill" and a series of soft "chucks" used as an alarm call. Very little is known of their reproduction, although litters are thought to be small.<ref name=Jessen2016/>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
* Tirira, Diego. 2006. Mamíferos del Ecuador, Diversidad: Microsciurus flaviventer (Gray, 1867). Page on internet (Enero 2006). Version 1.1. Ediciones Murciélago Blanco. Quito. [http://www.murcielagoblanco.com/mamiferosdelecuador/documentos/rodentia/sciuridae/Microsciurus%20flaviventer.htm Mamiferos del Equador] Checked on: fecha de visita (2009-03-17)
* Tirira, Diego. 2006. Mamíferos del Ecuador, Diversidad: Microsciurus flaviventer (Gray, 1867). Page on internet (Enero 2006). Version 1.1. Ediciones Murciélago Blanco. Quito. [https://web.archive.org/web/20090707214633/http://www.murcielagoblanco.com/mamiferosdelecuador/documentos/rodentia/sciuridae/Microsciurus%20flaviventer.htm Mamiferos del Equador] Checked on: fecha de visita (2009-03-17)


==External links==
==External links==
⚫
* [http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Microsciurus_flaviventer.html Animal Diversity Web]
* [http://www.natureserve.org/ Natureserve.org]
⚫
* [http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Microsciurus_flaviventer.html Animal Diversity Web]


{{S. Sciurinae1 nav}}
{{S. Sciurinae1 nav}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q1769291}}


[[Category:Microsciurus]]
[[Category:Microsciurus]]
[[Category:Rodents of South America]]
[[Category:Rodents of Brazil]]
[[Category:Mammals of Brazil]]
[[Category:Mammals of Bolivia]]
[[Category:Animals described in 1867]]
[[Category:Mammals of Colombia]]
[[Category:Mammals of Ecuador]]

[[Category:Mammals of Peru]]

[[Category:Fauna of the Amazon]]
{{Squirrel-stub}}
[[Category:Mammals described in 1867]]
[[Category:Taxa named by John Edward Gray]]

Latest revision as of 12:55, 24 August 2024

Amazon dwarf squirrel
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Sciuridae
Genus: Microsciurus
Species:
M. flaviventer
Binomial name
Microsciurus flaviventer
(J. E. Gray, 1867)
Amazon dwarf squirrel range

The Amazon dwarf squirrel (Microsciurus flaviventer) is a chipmunk-sized tree squirrel native to South America.

Description

[edit]

As its name suggests, the Amazon dwarf squirrel is relatively small, with a head-body length of 12 to 16 cm (4.7 to 6.3 in) and a tail 8 to 16 cm (3.1 to 6.3 in) long. Adults weigh between 86 and 132 g (3.0 and 4.7 oz), with males being slightly larger than females.[2] The fur varies from reddish to dull brown, fading gradually to yellow or greyish on the underparts. There is a distinctive patch of pale yellow fur behind the ears, while the tail has faint yellowish bands and white frosting.[3]

The limbs are unusually long for tree squirrels. In the forelimbs, the humerus and radius are of equal length, an adaptation thought to increase the squirrel's ability to climb large trees, compensating for a lack of shoulder mobility. The longer hindlimbs allow for stronger muscles, so that the squirrel can leap over larger gaps, relative to its size, than more typically sized squirrels can.[3]

Distribution and habitat

[edit]

The squirrels are found in the upper Amazon Basin, broadly west of the Purus and Rio Negro rivers, in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. They typically inhabit evergreen tropical rainforests at up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft) elevation,[3] although they may sometimes be found in more disturbed habitats.[4]

Subspecies

[edit]

Eight subspecies of Amazon dwarf squirrel are generally recognised.[5][3] Recent studies have indicated that the subspecies M. f. otinus, M. f. sabanillae, M. f. similis, and M. f. simonsi are their[6] own distinct species rather than subspecies. The same study also showed that M. f. otinus and M. f. similis are more closely related to Microsciurus mimulus and Sciurus pucheranii than they are to M. flaviventer.

Microsciurus flaviventer taxonomy
Subspecies Authority Synonyms Distribution
M. f. flaviventer Gray (1867) manarius Western Brazil, northeastern Peru
M. f. napi Thomas (1900) avunculus, florenciae Northeastern Ecuador
M. f. otinus Thomas (1901) none Western Colombia
M. f. peruanus J. A. Allen (1897) none Northern Peru
M. f. rubrirostris J. A. Allen (1914) rubicollis Southern Peru
M. f. sabanillae Anthony (1922) none Southern Ecuador
M. f. similis Nelson (1899) none Far western Colombia
M. f. simonsi Thomas (1900) none Central eastern Ecuador

Biology and behaviour

[edit]

The squirrels use all levels of the forest, from the ground to the tree canopy, but are most commonly found in the understory. They feed on arthropods, tree bark, and fungi, and have been observed to closely follow flocks of birds while foraging, although the reason for this is unclear. They are diurnal and highly arboreal, even for tree squirrels, frequently jumping from branch to branch. They spend the night in nests formed from plant fibres, and located several metres above the ground.[3]

They are mostly solitary, but may be found with others feeding on the same tree. Their calls include a bird-like "trill" and a series of soft "chucks" used as an alarm call. Very little is known of their reproduction, although litters are thought to be small.[3]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Koprowski, J.; Roach, N. (2019). "Microsciurus flaviventer". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T13410A22255256. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T13410A22255256.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ Hayssen, V. (August 2008). "Patterns of body and tail length and body mass in Sciuridae". Journal of Mammalogy. 89 (4): 852–873. doi:10.1644/07-MAMM-A-217.1.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Jessen, T.G.; et al. (August 2016). "Microsciurus flaviventer (Rodentia: Sciuridae)". Mammalian Species. 48 (935): 59–65. doi:10.1093/mspecies/sew006.
  4. ^ Mena, J.L. & Medellin, R.A. (January 2010). "Small mammal assemblages in a disturbed tropical landscape at Pozuzo, Peru". Mammalian Biology. 75 (1): 83–91. Bibcode:2010MamBi..75...83M. doi:10.1016/j.mambio.2009.08.006.
  5. ^ Thorington, R.W. Jr.; Hoffmann, R.S. (2005). "Microsciurus flaviventer". 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.
  6. ^ de Abreu-Jr., E. F.; Pavan, S. E.; Tsuchiya, M. T. N.; Wilson, D. E.; Percequillo, A. R.; Maldonado, J. E. (26 June 2020). "Museomics of tree squirrels: a dense taxon sampling of mitogenomes reveals hidden diversity, phenotypic convergence, and the need of a taxonomic overhaul". BMC Evolutionary Biology. 20 (77): 77. Bibcode:2020BMCEE..20...77D. doi:10.1186/s12862-020-01639-y. PMC 7320592. PMID 32590930.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Tirira, Diego. 2006. Mamíferos del Ecuador, Diversidad: Microsciurus flaviventer (Gray, 1867). Page on internet (Enero 2006). Version 1.1. Ediciones Murciélago Blanco. Quito. Mamiferos del Equador Checked on: fecha de visita (2009-03-17)
[edit]
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