Ecology of the Mexican Red-Bellied Squirrel (Sciurus aureogaster) in Michoacán, Mexico

Abstract

We report observations on feeding and nesting behavior, reproductive condition, and activity patterns of the Mexican red-bellied squirrel (Sciurus aureogaster) during 2000–2002 in an oak-pine (Quercus-Pinus) forest south of Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, Mexico. Squirrels fed heavily on seeds of pines, oaks, and dogwoods (Cornus), and rarely cached food. Squirrels used leaf nests for nesting and did not use tree cavities. Squirrels had year-round breeding activity and were more active in early morning and before sunset; however, daily activities were noticeably reduced during hot and sunny days or during strong winds. Squirrels had two color phases: gray-white and melanistic.