Unlike common city squirrels that may live across wide regions and adapt to parks or gardens, this squirrel has a much more limited home. It is linked to forested areas in and around the Santander region, especially between the Magdalena River area and the slopes of the Eastern Andes. Because it is so closely tied to Colombian forests, it is considered an endemic species, meaning it naturally occurs in Colombia and nowhere else.

One of its most noticeable features is its small size. It has reddish-orange fur over much of its body, a dark line running down the middle of its back, and lighter pinkish-buff coloring on its underside. Its tail is long and thin rather than very bushy, which gives it a slimmer look compared with the fluffy-tailed squirrels people often imagine.

What makes this species different from many other squirrels is how little is known about it. Scientists believe it lives in trees and is active during the day, but many details about its diet, nesting, behavior, and population remain unclear. It has also been confused with the Andean squirrel, making its true range harder to determine. This mystery gives the Santander dwarf squirrel a “hidden forest animal” quality. It is not a loud, easy-to-see squirrel of open parks; it is a quiet, quick creature of Colombian forests.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Colombia

2016