Red-tailed squirrel

The red-tailed squirrel, native to regions spanning southern Central America to northern South America, inhabits countries such as Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. Intriguingly, it has also become an invasive species in Cuba. These squirrels thrive in diverse environments, from sea level up to 3,000 meters, and can be found in various types of forests, including picnic areas.

In 2015, scientists reclassified this species as Notosciurus granatensis. The red-tailed squirrel is noted for its diverse coat colors, which historically led to the identification of numerous subspecies. However, these were consolidated into six geographical variants in 2015. Some experts believe that further research might necessitate splitting them into multiple distinct species based on differences in their appearance and genetic makeup.

This squirrel is closely related to Notosciurus pucheranii in South America and Sciurus richmondi in Nicaragua. It is a common species with a stable population, adaptable to a variety of habitats, including those altered by human activity. Due to this adaptability and widespread presence, the red-tailed squirrel is not currently considered at risk. Although it has been introduced to Cuba, there have been no reported negative impacts on the native wildlife there.