Small rodents are frequently on the menu for carnivores and birds of prey. Even though there are no specific reports of predation on this species, it is reasonable to assume that they are preyed upon by other animals.
An anti-predator adaptation that Central American dwarf squirrels possess is their small size and dull coloring; this allows them to blend into heavy forest coverings.
Anti-predator Adaptations: cryptic
Dwarf squirrels are not as small as their name may suggest. They have a head and body length of 15 centimeters (5.9 in) and a long tail, measuring approximately 12 centimeters (4.7 in). These measurements are similar to those of red and gray squirrels. The majority of their body is dark olivaceous brown. However, their head has a reddish-brown hue. They are fulvous grey below their head and on the underside of their limbs; however, the color can vary from a buff, fulvous grey or a rufous hue. Their skull is highly arched, with pronounced swelling on the frontals at the plane of the postorbital processes. Their brain case is strongly deflected at the posterior end and the rostrum is short and broad. Their upper incisors project forward to, or beyond, the plane of the tip of the nasals, and their jugal is relatively wide. Their inferior margin is abruptly depressed anteriorly where it joins the maxilla.
Average length: 27 cm.
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry ; polymorphic
There is currently no available information about the lifespan of this species.
Dwarf squirrels (Microsciurus) are found in tropical rainforest regions of Central and South America. None of the members of this genus are endangered, although they are rarely seen because they are shy and lead hidden lives.
Dwarf squirrels show a decided preference for heavy forest, particularly those with vines in the undergrowth. In such places, they can descend to the ground and escape by running across the forest floor or find the nearest tree and climb out of sight. Their small size, dull coloring, and quickness make them difficult to catch. Although they are not abundant, the population numbers within this genus may exceed those of larger squirrels.
Range elevation: 1500 ft. to 5300 ft. km.
Average elevation: 3000-4000 ft. km.
Habitat Regions: tropical ; terrestrial
Terrestrial Biomes: forest ; rainforest
Central American dwarf squirrels, also known as Alfaro's pygmy squirrels (Microsciurus alfari), are native to Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. However, abundance in Nicaragua may be limited, to date; only one specimen has been found there, in 1917.
Biogeographic Regions: neotropical (Native )
The only Microsciurus alfari stomach contents that have been examined contained material too finely divided to identify. However, it is likely that they eat nuts from the ivory-nut palm groves that they inhabit. They probably have a common granivore diet consisting of seeds, grains, and nuts.
Animal Foods: insects
Plant Foods: wood, bark, or stems; seeds, grains, and nuts; fruit
Foraging Behavior: stores or caches food
Primary Diet: herbivore (Granivore )
Ectoparasites, such as mites and chiggers, use this species as a host.
Ecosystem Impact: disperses seeds
Commensal/Parasitic Species:
The economic importance of these squirrels has not been evaluated. However, as with all squirrels that have a diet consisting of nuts and seeds, they may act as seed dispersers.
No negative feedback has been reported.
Central American dwarf squirrels occur in Monteverde National Park, Talamanca National Park, and other protected areas.
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
State of Michigan List: no special status
Because Central American dwarf squirrels tend to stay hidden in heavily forested areas, there is currently no information about their forms of communication and perception.
Communication Channels: visual ; acoustic
Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical
The Central American Dwarf Squirrel is also known as Alfaro's Pygmy Squirrel. Evidence suggests that this genus is polyphyletic. The entire radiation of tree squirrels in South America appears to have descended from a single lineage that entered the continent with the establishment of the Panamanian isthmus. The divergence between tree squirrels of Central and those of South America closely corresponds in time to the formation of this land bridge. Before then, there was no evidence of squirrels in South America.
There are no data on the mating system of this animal.
Although data are lacking on the reproduction of this species, it is reasonable to assume that their young, like most squirrels, are altricial. It is also probable that their breeding season is likely in April, May, and June, as in other squirrels. This notion was further supported by the collection of a male specimen whose testes were in breeding condition during the month of June.
Breeding season: Central American dwarf squirrels likely mate during the months of April, May, and June.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization ; viviparous
As in all mammals, the female provides parental care by nourishing her young with milk. It is likely that, as in other squirrels, the young are born in a nest of some sort, with their eyes closed. The mother likely cares for the young in the nest until they are able to venture forth on their own.
Parental Investment: altricial ; female parental care
La esguil pigméu de Alfaro (Microsciurus alfari), tamién conocida como chiza o esguil volador,[2] ye una especie de royedor de la familia Sciuridae. atópase nos montes húmedos de Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, y Panamá. Aliméntase principalmente de materia vexetal nos tueros de los árboles y del frutu del Dipteryx panamensis tamién llamau almendru de monte.[2]
La esguil pigméu de Alfaro (Microsciurus alfari), tamién conocida como chiza o esguil volador, ye una especie de royedor de la familia Sciuridae. atópase nos montes húmedos de Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, y Panamá. Aliméntase principalmente de materia vexetal nos tueros de los árboles y del frutu del Dipteryx panamensis tamién llamau almendru de monte.
L'esquirol pigmeu centreamericà (Microsciurus alfari) és una espècie de rosegador de la família dels esciúrids. Viu a Colòmbia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua i el Panamà. El seu hàbitat natural són els boscos perennifolis. Es creu que no hi ha cap amenaça significativa per a la supervivència d'aquesta espècie, tot i que no tolera les àrees molt desforestades.[1]
Aquest tàxon fou anomenat en honor de l'arqueòleg, geòleg, etnòleg, zoòleg i escriptor costa-riqueny Anastasio Alfaro.[2]
L'esquirol pigmeu centreamericà (Microsciurus alfari) és una espècie de rosegador de la família dels esciúrids. Viu a Colòmbia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua i el Panamà. El seu hàbitat natural són els boscos perennifolis. Es creu que no hi ha cap amenaça significativa per a la supervivència d'aquesta espècie, tot i que no tolera les àrees molt desforestades.
Aquest tàxon fou anomenat en honor de l'arqueòleg, geòleg, etnòleg, zoòleg i escriptor costa-riqueny Anastasio Alfaro.
Das Zentralamerikanische Zwerghörnchen (Microsciurus alfari) ist eine Hörnchenart aus der Gattung der Neuweltlichen Zwerghörnchen (Microsciurus). Es kommt in Mittelamerika vom südlichen Nicaragua bis in das nördliche Kolumbien vor.
Das Zentralamerikanische Zwerghörnchen erreicht eine Kopf-Rumpf-Länge von etwa 10,8 bis 14,6 Zentimetern bei einem Gewicht von 72 bis 105 Gramm. Der Schwanz wird 8,0 bis 13,0 Zentimeter lang und ist damit etwas kürzer als der restliche Körper. Das Rückenfell der Tiere ist matt olivbraun bis schwarz, teilweise mit einem rötlichen Einschlag. Die Bauchseite ist matt sandfarben bis blass orange. Im Bereich der Ohren kommen häufig weiße Flecken vor. Der Schwanz ist oliv-braun mit orangefarbener Tönung. Die Beine sind vergleichsweise lang.[1]
Das Zentralamerikanische Zwerghörnchen kommt in Mittelamerika vom südlichen Nicaragua über Costa Rica und Panama bis in das nördliche Kolumbien vor.[2] Die Höhenverbreitung reicht bis 2600 Meter.[1]
Das Zentralamerikanische Zwerghörnchen lebt vor allem in dichten, immergrünen Regenwaldgebieten sowie in höhergelegenen Nebelwäldern, selten in gestörten Habitaten.[1] Die Art ist tagaktiv und sucht überwiegend auf dem Boden und in der Bodenauflage nach Nahrung. Es ernährt sich von Früchten, Harz, Pflanzensaft (Exsudat) und Insekten. Dabei bewegt es sich schnell über den Boden, entlang der Baumstämme und Lianen sowie durch die Vegetation. Die Tiere sind in der Regel leise, die Kommunikation erfolgt über Schnatterserien und hohe Pfiffe.[1]
Es lebt einzeln oder in Paaren. Das Weibchen ist wahrscheinlich monoöstrich, wird also nur einmal im Jahr fortpflanzungsbereit.[1]
Das Zentralamerikanische Zwerghörnchen wird als eigenständige Art innerhalb der Gattung der Neuweltlichen Zwerghörnchen (Microsciurus) eingeordnet, die aus vier Arten besteht.[3] Die wissenschaftliche Erstbeschreibung stammt von Joel Asaph Allen aus dem Jahr 1895, der die Art anhand von drei weiblichen Tieren aus Puerto Jiménez in Costa Rica beschrieb.[3] Allen beschrieb die Art als Sciurus (Microsciurus) alfari in einem Artikel in der Zeitschrift Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, im gleichen Artikel beschrieb er auch Microsciurus als Untergattung von Sciurus.[4]
Innerhalb der Art werden gemeinsam mit der Nominatform sechs Unterarten unterschieden:[1]
Benannt wurde die Art nach dem Zoologen, Geologen und Forschungsreisenden Anastasio Alfaro, der das Typusmaterial gemeinsam mit George K. Cherrie in Costa Rica sammelte.[4]
Das Zentralamerikanische Zwerghörnchen wird von der International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) als nicht gefährdet (Least concern) eingeordnet.[2] Begründet wird dies durch das große Verbreitungsgebiet und das häufige Vorkommen der Art auch in mehreren Schutzgebieten. Eine potenzielle Bestandsgefährdung für diese Art ist nicht bekannt, allerdings reagiert die Art als Baumbewohner empfindlich auf starke Rodungen in ihrem Lebensraum.[2]
Das Zentralamerikanische Zwerghörnchen (Microsciurus alfari) ist eine Hörnchenart aus der Gattung der Neuweltlichen Zwerghörnchen (Microsciurus). Es kommt in Mittelamerika vom südlichen Nicaragua bis in das nördliche Kolumbien vor.
The Central American dwarf squirrel, also known as Alfaro's pygmy squirrel,(Microsciurus alfari) is a small tree squirrel in the genus Microsciurus and tribe Sciurini found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. No species of squirrel within this genus are endangered, but they are rarely seen because they are shy and live hidden lives. This suggests that their population numbers may be larger than documented.[2]
Central American dwarf squirrels are not as small as their name suggests. In fact, their body measurements are close to that of the Red Squirrel and Gray Squirrel, with a head-and-body length about 15 cm (5.9 in) with a 12 cm (4.7 in) long tail. The majority of their body is a dark, olive-green and brown color with a reddish-brown head coloration. The underside of their heads and limbs can range from a yellowish grey to a tawny grey color.[2]
Central American dwarf squirrels are native to Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. They typically inhabit tropical rainforests, with a preference for the heavy forest, particularly those with vines in the undergrowth, which can allow them to descend to the ground and quickly escape from predators. [3]
Central American dwarf squirrels are typically very shy and solitary in nature. While they are diurnal some squirrels have been observed at night by hunters, suggesting a degree of nocturnal activity. Their small size, dull coloration, and quickness tend to make them hard to locate and catch or even observe.[2] The diet of these squirrels is most likely similar that to the common herbivore, consisting of seeds, grains and nuts, including nuts of the ivory-nut palm tree which they inhabit.[3]
The table below lists the six recognized subspecies of Microsciurus alfari, along with any synonyms associated with each subspecies:[4]
Microsciurus alfari taxonomy Subspecies Authority Synonyms M. a. alfari J. A. Allen (1895) none M. a. alticola Goodwin (1943) none M. a. browni Bangs (1902) none M. a. fusculus Thomas (1910) none M. a. septentrionalis Anthony (1920) none M. a. venustulus Goldman (1912) noneThe Central American dwarf squirrel, also known as Alfaro's pygmy squirrel,(Microsciurus alfari) is a small tree squirrel in the genus Microsciurus and tribe Sciurini found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. No species of squirrel within this genus are endangered, but they are rarely seen because they are shy and live hidden lives. This suggests that their population numbers may be larger than documented.
La ardilla pigmea de Alfaro (Microsciurus alfari), también conocida como chiza o ardilla voladora,[2] es una especie de roedor de la familia Sciuridae. Es encontrada en los bosques húmedos de Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, y Panamá. Se alimenta principalmente de materia vegetal en los troncos de los árboles y del fruto del almendro de montaña.[2]
La ardilla pigmea de Alfaro (Microsciurus alfari), también conocida como chiza o ardilla voladora, es una especie de roedor de la familia Sciuridae. Es encontrada en los bosques húmedos de Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, y Panamá. Se alimenta principalmente de materia vegetal en los troncos de los árboles y del fruto del almendro de montaña.
Microsciurus alfari Microsciurus generoko animalia da. Karraskarien barruko Sciurinae azpifamilia eta Sciuridae familian sailkatuta dago.
Microsciurus alfari Microsciurus generoko animalia da. Karraskarien barruko Sciurinae azpifamilia eta Sciuridae familian sailkatuta dago.
Lo scoiattolo nano del Centroamerica (Microsciurus alfari J. A. Allen, 1895) è un piccolo scoiattolo arboricolo originario dell'America centrale e della Colombia.
Attualmente, gli studiosi riconoscono sei sottospecie di scoiattolo nano del Centroamerica[1]:
Il corpo dello scoiattolo nano del Centroamerica misura 10,8-14,6 cm di lunghezza, la coda 8–13 cm; pesa 72-105 g. È una specie molto piccola, con orecchie corte e naso schiacciato. Il dorso è marrone o bruno-giallastro. Le orecchie, piccole e pelose, e la coda, corta e sottile (ricoperta, nelle aree montane, da una folta pelliccia), sono leggermente orlate di arancio.
M. alfari è diffuso dal sud del Nicaragua alla Colombia nord-occidentale. Vive nelle foreste pluviali tropicali, dal livello del mare a 2600 m di quota.
Lo scoiattolo nano del Centroamerica si nutre delle sostanze vegetali che riesce a trovare sul tronco degli alberi. Talvolta, è stato visto nutrirsi dei frutti del cosiddetto «mandorlo di montagna» (Dipteryx panamensis). Di abitudini diurne, è solitario ed è stato visto associarsi ad altri scoiattoli, come gli scoiattoli dalla coda rossa (Sciurus granatensis) e quelli variegati (Sciurus variegatoides). Tra i suoi principali nemici vi sono predatori alati come la poiana semipiombata (Leucopternis semiplumbea).
Sebbene sia piuttosto suscettibile alla deforestazione, è ancora molto diffuso e la IUCN lo inserisce tra le specie a rischio minimo.
Lo scoiattolo nano del Centroamerica (Microsciurus alfari J. A. Allen, 1895) è un piccolo scoiattolo arboricolo originario dell'America centrale e della Colombia.
De Panamadwergeekhoorn (Microsciurus alfari) is een zoogdier uit de familie van de eekhoorns (Sciuridae). De soort komt voor in Midden-Amerika en het noorden van Zuid-Amerika.
De wetenschappelijke naam van de soort werd voor het eerst geldig gepubliceerd door J. A. Allen in 1895. De soortnaam alfari verwijst naar Anastasio Alfaro, een Costa Ricaans bioloog.
De Panamadwergeekhoorn leeft in regenwouden en nevelwouden van zeeniveau tot op 2.600 meter hoogte. Het verspreidingsgebied loopt van het zuiden van Nicaragua via Costa Rica, en Panama tot in het noordwesten van Colombia. De Panamadwergeekhoorn in droogbosgebieden.
De Panamadwergeekhoorn is ongeveer 14 cm lang en 100 gram zwaar. De vacht is op de rugzijde donkerbruin en op de buikzijde grijs. De oren zijn klein. De staart is lichtrood van kleur en eindigt in een punt.
De Panamadwergeekhoorn is dagactief. De soort leeft solitair, in paartjes of in kleine groepjes. Dit knaagdier houdt zich met name op in de bomen en het kan grote sprongen maken van tak naar tak. Fruit, noten, schors, sap en insecten worden door de Panamadwergeekhoorn gegeten.
Bronnen, noten en/of referentiesDe Panamadwergeekhoorn (Microsciurus alfari) is een zoogdier uit de familie van de eekhoorns (Sciuridae). De soort komt voor in Midden-Amerika en het noorden van Zuid-Amerika.
Microsciurus alfari[2][3] är en däggdjursart som först beskrevs av J. A. Allen 1895. Microsciurus alfari ingår i släktet amerikanska dvärgekorrar, och familjen ekorrar.[4][5] IUCN kategoriserar arten globalt som livskraftig.[1]
Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.[4] Wilson & Reeder (2005) skiljer mellan 6 underarter.[2]
Arten blir ungefär 15 cm lång (huvud och bål) och har en cirka 12 cm lång svans. Pälsens grundfärg på ovansidan är brun-olivgrön och ofta förekommer en rödaktig skugga. På undersidan har pälsen en ljusgrå till ljusbrun färg, ibland med orange skugga.[6]
Microsciurus alfari har två från varandra skilda populationer, en i Costa Rica och Panama och den andra i låglandet mellan Colombias nordvästra bergstrakter. I Nicaragua iakttogs bara en individ hittills. Denna ekorre vistas främst i städsegröna skogar.[1]
Individerna är allmänt aktiva på dagen men de kan även vara aktiva på natten. De lever främst ensamma och klättrar i växtligheten eller går på marken. Arten äter frukter, nötter, frön, bark och gröna växtdelar samt några insekter. Ungarna föds i boet som byggs av blad och andra växtdelar.[6]
Microsciurus alfari är en däggdjursart som först beskrevs av J. A. Allen 1895. Microsciurus alfari ingår i släktet amerikanska dvärgekorrar, och familjen ekorrar. IUCN kategoriserar arten globalt som livskraftig.
Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life. Wilson & Reeder (2005) skiljer mellan 6 underarter.
Microsciurus alfari là một loài động vật có vú trong họ Sóc, bộ Gặm nhấm. Loài này được J. A. Allen mô tả năm 1895.[2]
Microsciurus alfari là một loài động vật có vú trong họ Sóc, bộ Gặm nhấm. Loài này được J. A. Allen mô tả năm 1895.
Microsciurus alfari Allen, 1895
Ареал Охранный статусЦентральноамериканская карликовая белка[1] (лат. Microsciurus alfari) — вид грызунов рода карликовые белки (Microsciurus). Видовой эпитет дан в честь коста-риканского зоолога Анастасио Альфаро (1865—1951)[2]. Найден в Колумбии, Коста-Рике, Никарагуа и Панаме. Включает подвиды:
Таксономия Microsciurus alfari Подвиды Автор Синонимы M. a. alfari Allen (1895) нет M. a. alticola Goodwin (1943) нет M. a. browni Bangs (1902) нет M. a. fusculus Thomas (1910) нет M. a. septentrionalis Anthony (1920) нет M. a. venustulus Goldman (1912) нет
중앙아메리카난쟁이다람쥐(Microsciurus alfari)는 다람쥐과에 속하는 설치류의 일종이다.[2] 신대륙난쟁이다람쥐속에 속하는 작은 나무 다람쥐로 콜롬비아와 코스타리카, 니카라과, 파나마에서 발견된다.
6종의 아종이 알려져 있다.[2]