African pygmy squirrel

African pygmy squirrel
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Sciuridae
Tribe: Protoxerini
Genus: Myosciurus
Thomas, 1909
Species:
M. pumilio
Binomial name
Myosciurus pumilio
(Le Conte, 1857)
Range map of the African pygmy squirrel

The African pygmy squirrel (Myosciurus pumilio) is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae. It is monotypic within the genus Myosciurus. It is found in tropical rainforests in Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.[2] It is not considered threatened, but likely declines locally due to habitat loss.[1] Together with the least pygmy squirrel of Asia, the African pygmy squirrel is the world's smallest squirrel measuring about 12–14 cm (4.7–5.5 in) in total length and just 15–18 g (0.53–0.63 oz) in weight, which is less than a typical house mouse.[2]

  1. ^ a b Cassola, F. (2017) [errata version of 2016 assessment]. "Myosciurus pumilio". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T14105A115119983. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T14105A22259328.en. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  2. ^ a b Kingdon, J. (1997). The Kingdon Guide to African Mammals. Academic Press Limited, London. ISBN 0-12-408355-2.