deneral distribution. — Vera Crus, México, south to Nicaragua, 
feet pote ~-Virtually the whole Republic, from sea level to at lesst 10,000 
volcances, It is, however, rather local in its distribution and may be rare or 
absent in wide areas while abundant in others, 
Habitat.--Deep lowland jungles, damp riverbank thickets, dry mountain forests, coffee fincas 
mountain cloud forests, and semi-cleared land, 
Habiis.~-The habits of all the squirrels of Guatemala are more or less similar aad will be 
a only for Sciurus deppei which will serve as an example, All the Guatemalan species 
sre more or less arboreal, descending to tie ground only in search of food, Main items of 
i ann are nuts, pine seeds and seeda of other varieties, tree buds, insects, and occasion- 
ally fruite. Nests are bilt either in hollow tree trunks or in balls of leaves constructed 
in the branches of trees, Breeding probably is year round in Central America, and the number 
of young per litter ranges from two to six or eight. Squirrels are very agile, and travel 
with ease and rapidity through the tree tops, often making remarkably long leaps from one 
tree to another, They have many natural enemies, among the worst of which are hawk®, They 
move about only during the daytime, 
-~-This is the emallest species of squirrel occurring in Guatemala, and in that respect 
is less desirable as a game mammal than the others, However, it has a wide range and in many 
areas is the only squirrel represented, thus filling an important place on the list of game 
mammals, In some parts of the highlands it is almost the only game mammal, 
Remarks,--Guatemala is within the range of two races of this species, viyax in Petén, and 
depped in the remainder of the. Republic, 
22. 
Names,--Latin: 
Guatemelan: Ardilla 
English: Fire-bellied squirrel 
Descrintion.--A large squirrel with bright red belly, the red extending up over the shoulders, 
forming a band arrose the back; the remainder of the back and head, gray; feet, black; and 
tail, blackish, 
Distingui haracteris -~Large size; red under parts and red band across shoulders; 
and general dark coloration. 
Peasureneats,--Typical measurements are: total length, 523 mm.; tail, 267 mm.; hind foot, 
7 mm, 
General distribution.—-~Central México, south to northwest Guatemala, 
str Q.-~-Extreme northwest part of Petén. 
Habitat.--Humid tropical forests, 
Habits.-~See Sciurus deppej (No. 21). 
Hunting,--As Guatemala is at the southern extremity of the range of the species, it is undoubtedly 
uncomaon and of no importance as a game mammal. Guatemala has no less than six species of large 
squirrels within its boundaries, yet they are almost completely neglected as game and food 
animals, Potentially, they are among the most important of all, They withstand much more 
hunting than the larger game, are far more abundant, live in more kinds of habitat, and are 
more likely to survive changes in habitat, such as clearing and destruction of forests, Their 
meat is delicious and wholesome, and two or three squirrels make a good meal for the average 
family. Lastly, it is a fine sporting species and it takes considerable mmting skill to 
make a large kill, Not only is stealth required but also shooting accuracy, especially if 
a small calibre rifle is used, As a rule, a squirrel will not sit still long enough to allow 
an easy shot, and will absorb a surprisingly large number of rifle shots unless they are well 
placed, 
Remarks.--The Guatemalan race is hypopyrrhus. 
25 
Names,—-Latin: 
Guatemalan: Ardilla 
English: Tehuantepec squirrel 
Description.--A large gray squirrel with red under parts, gray feet, and a red patch on the 
top of the head, including the ears, back of the neck and eyes. _ 
Dis ristics.--Large size; red patch ‘on top of head, 
Measurements.--Average measurements are: total length, 524 mm; tail, 224 mm; hind foot, 
67 mm. 
eetarad diatritalian.2Peaitt slope from Guerrero, México, south to northwest Guatemala (Nenton). 
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