Variegated squirrel

The variegated squirrel, belonging to the genus *Sciurus*, is a tree-dwelling rodent commonly found throughout Central America. This species is divided into fifteen recognized subspecies and is generally abundant, resulting in its "least concern" status from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

These squirrels are of medium size, with their appearance varying widely among subspecies and individual animals. They inhabit various forest types, both deciduous and evergreen, and are occasionally regarded as crop pests. Variegated squirrels are diurnal, and their diet includes seeds, fruits, insects, and nestlings, though they usually avoid hard-shelled seeds.

Typically, these squirrels construct nests in trees and seldom descend to the ground. Unlike some other squirrel species, they do not store food for future use, thus playing a minimal role in seed dispersal.