Fast Facts About Tree Squirrels
Paraxerus cepapi

©Roger de la Harpe

Tree squirrels are named as such for their habit of living in savanna woodlands and nesting in holes in trees.

They are frequently found in abundance in Mopane Woodland as these trees are prone to having natural cavities and the squirrels are therefore also called ‘Mopane Squirrels’.

Size
Overall length 35 cm (tail about half the length)
Weight
200 g (males slightly heavier)
Lifespan
8 years
Habitat
Woodland - especially Acacia and Mopane woodlands, which have copious natural holes
Gestation
53 - 57 days
Number of young
1 - 3
Food
Vegetarians with insects eaten as a secondary constituent. Included flowers, seeds, berries, bark and grass.
Predators
Snakes, raptors, wild cats, mongoose

By Megan Emmett