LA SELVA-BRAULIO CARRILLO MAMMALS 111 



Fig. 87. Tropical red-tailed squirrel, Sciurus granatensis. Photo by C. Thorington. 



surrounding lower elevations including the La Selva area. These squirrels occur 

 from sea level to about 1,500 m. 



Sciurus granatensis was seen on several occasions within Parque Nacional 

 Braulio Carrillo at elevations ranging from 100 to 860 m. In the forest near the 

 300-m base camp, one individual was observed on several days in succession. We 

 have observed red-tailed squirrels on several occasions at La Selva. In the mam- 

 mal logbook at La Selva there are several records listed of medium-sized Sciurus 

 identified as S. deppei. We suspect that most, if not all, of these observations are 

 actually S. granatensis. 



In Panama, S. granatensis eats a wide variety of plants, but the large, nutlike 

 fruits of three species, Astrocaryum standleyanum, Dipteryx panamensis, and 

 Scheelea zonensis, make up most of the diet. The reproductive season of tropical 

 red-tailed squirrels is strongly correlated to the seasonal availability of these three 

 preferred fruits. Adult females were found to have an average of two litters per 

 year and a mean of 1.9 young per litter (Glanz et al. 1982). The biology of these 

 squirrels was reviewed recently by Heaney (1983) and Nitikman (1985). 



Specimens examined (3)— Puerto Viejo, Rio Sarapiqui, 300 ft [1 female, 

 UMMZ]; San Jose de la Montana [2, UNA]. 



Additional record (1)— 2 mi SE of Cariblanco [1 male, MVZ]. 



