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Sciurus brasiliensis ingramiSciurus brasiliensis ingrami (also classified as Sciurus ingrami or Guerlinguetus brasiliensis ingrami) is a subspecies of the Brazilian squirrel. It is widely known by the common name Ingram's squirrel and is locally referred to as the serelepe or caxinguelê in Brazil, and the ardilla misionera or ardilla gris in Argentina.
Taxonomy & ClassificationTaxon
Debate: Taxonomists place it either as a distinct species (Sciurus ingrami), a subspecies of the Guianan squirrel (Sciurus aestuans), or a subspecies of the Brazilian squirrel (Sciurus brasiliensis).
Alternative Genus: Modern Neotropical mammal revisions frequently assign it to the genus Guerlinguetus.Habitat & DistributionGeographic Range: It is native to South America, thriving along the Atlantic coast of Brazil (from the state of Espírito Santo down to Rio Grande do Sul) and extending into the Misiones Province of northeastern Argentina.
Ecosystems: It primarily inhabits the Atlantic Forest Biome, especially moist highland forests dominated by the Paraná pine (Araucaria angustifolia).
Adaptability: While highly arboreal and dependent on tree cover, it is opportunistic and easily adapts to secondary forests, agricultural areas, urban parks, and botanical gardens.
Diet & BehaviorPrimary Diet: The squirrel subsists heavily on hard nuts and palm fruits, particularly the nuts of the Syagrus romanzoffiana (queen palm) and seeds of the Araucaria pine. It occasionally supplements its diet with insects, bird eggs, and small vertebrates.
Activity Patterns: It is a strictly diurnal rodent with bimodal activity peaks—meaning it is most active during the early morning and late afternoon.
Social Structure: Typically solitary and highly territorial. However, individuals have been observed temporarily joining forces to "mob" and drive away predators, such as the margay (a small predatory cat).
Movement: It is incredibly agile, sprinting down vertical tree trunks headfirst and leaping massive gaps between canopy branches while using its bushy tail as a counterbalance.
