Squirrel

[Toko]

Paraxerus cepapi (Tree Squirrel)


Mapungubwe National Park


(Smither's Mammals of Southern Africa: A Field Guide)

[Dewi]

Info on the growth of young squirrels here......



http://www.princetonimaging.com/pdfxmt. ... -P0127.pdf

[Dewi]

And info on all of Africa's squirrels here......

https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=B_0 ... ge&q=south african tree squirrels&f=false

[Toko]

Paraxerus cepapi (Tree Squirrel)


Mapungubwe National Park

Arboreal Locomotion and Rock Climbing
Claws can be used to interact with rough substrates and re-orient the direction of forces the animal applies. This is what allows squirrels to climb tree trunks. However, claws can interfere with an animal's ability to grasp very small branches, as they may wrap too far around and prick the animal's own paw.
To control descent, especially down large diameter branches, squirrels have evolved highly mobile ankle joints that permit rotating the foot into a 'reversed' posture. This allows the claws to hook into the rough surface of the bark, opposing the force of gravity.

[Toko]

Paraxerus cepapi (Tree Squirrel)


Marakele National Park


(Smither's Mammals of Southern Africa: A Field Guide)

[Lisbeth]

Company's Garden - Cape Town

[Lisbeth]

You must admit, that squirrels are one of the cutest animals around

[Toko]

Paraxerus cepapi (Tree Squirrel)


Afsaal, Kruger National Park


(Smither's Mammals of Southern Africa: A Field Guide)

[Toko]

Paraxerus cepapi (Tree Squirrel)


Tamboti, Kruger National Park

Spoor Description
Forefoot is 2 cm long, back foot is 3 cm long.

[Lisbeth]

Toko, it seems that you like squirrels too