A striking and energetic tree squirrel found throughout the tropical forests of West and Central Africa, from Senegal to Uganda. As one of the most widespread and recognizable members of the Heliosciurus genus, this squirrel is known for its vibrant coloring, agile movements, and active daytime behavior. True to its name, it’s easily identified by the reddish fur on its legs and forearms, which contrasts beautifully with its otherwise dark coat.
Their fur is generally a mix of dark brown, olive-gray, or blackish tones, often with a slight iridescent or bronzy sheen in sunlight—one of the reasons these squirrels are known as “sun squirrels.” The red or rust-colored legs and sometimes shoulders are their most distinctive feature, giving them a splash of color that sets them apart from other forest squirrels.
These squirrels are diurnal and arboreal, meaning they are active during the day and spend most of their time in the trees. They are fast, agile climbers and jumpers, often seen dashing along branches or leaping between trees in search of food. Their diet is highly varied, consisting of fruits, seeds, nuts, flowers, buds, bark, and occasionally insects or bird eggs. This diverse diet, along with their habit of caching food, makes them important contributors to seed dispersal and forest regeneration.
Red-legged sun squirrels are typically solitary or live in small family groups, and they use vocalizations, tail flicking, and body language to communicate. When alarmed, they emit sharp chattering or clucking sounds to warn others of danger, often freezing momentarily before fleeing to safety. They are cautious yet curious animals, often watching from above with twitching tails and alert eyes.
Distribution
Benin
Burundi
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Equatorial Guinea
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Kenya
Liberia
Nigeria
Rwanda
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Tanzania
Togo
UgandaAnything we've missed?
Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!
Suggest an editGet to know me
Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Frugivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
