Du Chaillu's rope squirrel


Du Chaillu's rope squirrel is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae. It is endemic to parts of central Gabon, within dense tropical rainforests, where it was listed as extinct in 1952, but was then rediscovered in 1993. The species is currently has a "Data Deficient" conservation status brought about by the IUCN Red List. It was named after French zoologist, traveler, and anthropologist Paul Du Chaillu.

Description

Body on average reaches a length of, with a long tail. Weight on average is around. Olive-brown dorsum, with grey and white colorations around limbs. Four dark brown dorsal stripes spread down from its head, in a longitudinal manner. Banded hairs, that are green-yellow and have a black colored tip. Tail is a bright red-brown color, also with a black tip. Rarely seen in pairs.

Diet

Du Chaillu's rope squirrel is known to feast upon the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica and any species from the genus Dialium.