Tree Squirrel

Afrikaans name: Boomeekhoring

Tree Squirrels are common in Kruger National Park

Photo © Steven Herbert

Paraxerus cepapi

Interesting facts about Tree Squirrels

The Tree Squirrel is also known as the Yellow-footed or Smith's Bush Squirrel. Squirrels are one of the cuter members of the rodent family.

They are found over a wide area from South Africa to Tanzania.

They are active during the day time and are commonly seen in some areas like camp sites in Kruger National Park. At night small family groups of Tree Squirrel shelter in holes in tree trunks.

Squirrels are predominantly vegetarian and their main food is seeds. They will, however, eat insects as well.

Tree Squirrels are territorial and will chase their young away when they become sexually mature. Although the male squirrel is mainly responsible for defending their territory the female does do it as well.

Tree squirrels may be seen on the ground or in trees. When startled they will quickly make their way up a tree until danger has passed.

Photo © Steven Herbert

References and further reading

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 198

Wild Ways - 2nd Edition - Author: Peter Apps - Published: 2000 - Page: 55

Tracks and Tracking in Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Published: 2000 - Page: 42

The Smaller Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. De V. Pienaar et al - Published: 1980 - Page: 123

The Mammal Guide of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 2011 - Page: 194

Signs of the Wild - 5th Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1996 - Page: 40

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 90

Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Published: 1980 - Page: 154

Signs of the Wild - 3rd Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1986 - Page: 33

Maberlys Mammals of Southern Africa - Revised edition - Author: Richard Goss - Published: 1986 - Page: 52

Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 1987 - Page: 163

Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Published: 1986 - Page: 66

Kruger National Park Questions and Answers - Author: P.F. Fourie - Published: 1987 - Page: 331

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 420

Game Ranger in your Backpack - Author: Megan Emmett and Sean Pattrick - Published: 2013 - Page: 78

Field Guide to the Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar et al. - Published: 1987 - Page: 144

Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2001 - Page: 90

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 48

Chris and Tilde Stuarts Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 1st Edit - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1988 - Page: 90

A Field Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Southern and East African Wildlife - 3rd - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2000 - Page: 52

A Field Guide to the Mammals of Africa including Madagascar - Author: Theodor Haltenorth and Helmut Diller - Published: 1980 - Page: 139

Animal Diversity Web

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List of South African Mammals