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Bush Squirrels
Bush squirrels are active and agile rodents, spending much of their day foraging on the ground but retreating to trees when threatened. They are known for their sociable nature, often seen in pairs or small family groups. Communication among bush squirrels involves a variety of vocalizations and tail movements, which convey different messages such as alarm or territorial claims. Despite their common status, bush squirrels play a significant role in their ecosystems by aiding in the dispersal of seeds and nuts, thus contributing to the health and regeneration of their habitats. Their adaptability to different environments and ability to coexist with human-altered landscapes have helped maintain their populations, making them a familiar sight in both wild and peri-urban areas across Africa.
Scientific Name: Paraxerus cepapi
- Habitat: Bush squirrels are commonly found in savannas, woodlands, and forests throughout sub-Saharan Africa. They thrive in areas with abundant trees and bushes for shelter and nesting.
- Diet: Omnivorous, with a diet consisting of seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. They are known to store food in caches for later consumption.
- Physical Characteristics: Bush squirrels are characterized by their grey to brown fur with a distinctive bushy tail, which is often held over the back in a characteristic arch. They have a white underbelly and can display variations in color. Adults typically weigh between 200 to 500 grams (7 to 17.6 oz).
- Lifespan: They can live up to 8 years in the wild, with a longer lifespan possible in captivity under optimal conditions.
- Reproduction: Breeding can occur throughout the year, with females giving birth to 1-3 young after a gestation period of around 50 days. The young are born in nests built in tree cavities or dense vegetation.
- Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, bush squirrels are widespread and abundant across their range, with no major threats currently identified.
Bush Squirrels at Chipangali
Puppy
Species: Bush Squirrel
Age on Arrival: 2 years
Arrival Date: 30 July 2021
Sex: Female
Puppy’s Story: Puppy’s narrative is one of unexpected companionship and resilience. Raised by a family who unexpectedly found themselves as her caretakers, she thrived against the odds. Her journey to Chipangali, prompted by a relocation, speaks to the deep bonds formed between humans and wildlife, and the sanctuary’s role in continuing the legacy of care, offering her a chance at a future, possibly in the wild.
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