A small yet vibrant member of the tree squirrel family that inhabits the forested regions of the Caucasus and parts of Turkey. Exhibiting a remarkable diversity in fur coloration, these squirrels boast upper bodies that range from shades of brown to pale grey, underparts that vary from rusty brown to yellowish tones, and tails that can be yellow-brown to a striking deep red. This variation not only adds to their aesthetic appeal but also aids in camouflage within their natural forest habitats, providing a crucial advantage against predators.

A key aspect of the Caucasian squirrel’s behavior is its diet and food storage practices. Primarily feeding on oak and pine seeds, their diet is also supplemented with nuts, buds, and tree shoots, reflecting their adaptability in foraging and their integral role in the forest’s ecological cycle. The act of storing food is particularly fascinating, with these squirrels meticulously burying food in loose soils or hiding it within tree cavities to ensure a steady food supply during scarce periods. Remarkably, some of their caches can contain up to 6kg (13.2 lbs) of food, which is nearly 18 times their own body weight. This behavior highlights not only their foresight and survival strategies but also their remarkable physical capability to gather and hoard substantial amounts of food.

Despite being classified as ‘Least Concern’ by conservation standards and remaining abundant in regions like Turkey, the Caucasian squirrel faces threats that have led to a decline in its population in certain areas. A 2008 study highlighted a decrease in their numbers within the Levant region, while a survey conducted in 1993 pointed towards near extinction in specific parts of Israel. These findings underscore the importance of continued monitoring and conservation efforts to ensure the survival of this species. The decline in their population can be attributed to habitat destruction, deforestation, and urbanization, which disrupt their natural habitats and food sources.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Armenia

2016

Azerbaijan

2016

Georgia

2016

Greece

2016

Iran

2016

Iraq

2016

Israel

2016

Jordan

2016

Lebanon

2016

Syria

2016

Turkey

2016