Most people picture squirrels darting around North America, but Africa actually has its own lineup of these clever little rodents. Yep — Africa’s got plenty of squirrel species, from tiny tree-hoppers to the big ground squirrels you’ll see in deserts, forests, and wide-open savannas.
African squirrels aren’t just copies of the ones you know. They come with their own quirks. You’ll find them in all sorts of places, and some are so unique you might do a double-take.
Let’s talk about where these squirrels live, what they eat, and what makes them so unmistakably African. Maybe you’ll even spot one on your next walk or safari.
Are There Squirrels in Africa?
You can find both tree squirrels and ground squirrels scattered across much of Africa. They show up in forests, open plains, and even dry savannas.
Each type plays its own role in the ecosystem. Some climb trees, others dig in the dirt.
Native Squirrel Species of Africa
Africa’s home to several native squirrel species. The African bush squirrels, for instance, include around 11 species living in the forests of central and southern Africa.
Swynnerton’s bush squirrel hangs out mostly in Tanzania’s moist forests. Vincent’s bush squirrel prefers the montane forests in Mozambique.
The African pygmy squirrel pops up in central and west African rainforests. These little guys stick to the trees and spend their days darting through the canopy.
On the ground, you’ll see the Cape ground squirrel in southern Africa, plus a few striped ground squirrels in the savannas. These ground squirrels dig burrows, forage for seeds and grass, and live in social groups. If you want more details on bush squirrels and where they live, check out this overview of Africa’s bush squirrels.
Tree Squirrels vs. Ground Squirrels in Africa
Tree squirrels stick to forests and woodlands. They climb, nest up in branches, and sometimes stash seeds in crevices. Their menu includes fruits, seeds, and the occasional insect.
Tree squirrels actually help spread seeds and keep forests healthy. They bury or drop seeds as they move around.
Ground squirrels, on the other hand, live out in the open and prefer dry habitats. The Cape ground squirrel, for example, digs big burrow systems in southern Africa’s dry plains.
Ground squirrels munch on seeds, roots, and bulbs. Sometimes they even go for crops. By digging and foraging, they change the soil and plant life around them.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- Habitat: trees and canopy vs. open ground and burrows
- Diet: more fruits and tree seeds vs. grasses, seeds, and roots
- Behavior: often alone or in small groups up in trees vs. social colonies down on the ground
Distribution of Squirrels Across African Ecosystems
You’ll spot squirrels from the rainforests of West Africa to the deserts down south. In West and Central Africa, small tree squirrels live in thick tropical and gallery forests.
East Africa has both bush squirrels and ground species in woodlands and highland forests. Down south, the Cape ground squirrel spreads out across Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. Bush squirrels stick to wetter areas and woodlands.
Human activity really changes where squirrels can live. When people cut down forests, tree squirrels lose their homes. Roads and farms push ground squirrels out of their old ranges.
Your best bet for seeing lots of African squirrels? Head to protected forests and national parks.
Types of African Squirrels
You’ll come across bush squirrels that live in trees, Xerus species that stick to the ground, and tiny specialists like the African pygmy and sun squirrels. Each group has its own favorite hangouts, food, and habits.
African Bush Squirrel Varieties
African bush squirrels fall under the genus Paraxerus. You can spot 11 species in forests, woodlands, and along the edges of savannas.
They’re small or medium-sized, with bushy tails and sharp claws for climbing. Smith’s bush squirrel (Paraxerus cepapi) and the striped bush squirrel are pretty common.
Smith’s bush squirrel likes to nest in trees near water. Some bush squirrels have reddish or gray fur, while others show stripes or dark backs.
You might catch them foraging for fruits, seeds, or insects during the day. They nest in tree holes, old bird nests, or leaf piles. When danger’s near, they warn each other with sharp alarm calls.
Ground Squirrel Genera: Xerus and Others
Most African ground squirrels belong to the genus Xerus, with a few relatives mixed in. You’ll find the Striped Ground Squirrel (Xerus erythropus) and the Cape ground squirrel out in savannas and rocky plains.
These squirrels don’t climb much. Instead, they dig burrows for shelter and raising their young. The Cape ground squirrel, also called the South African ground squirrel, lives in colonies and grooms each other.
The Barbary ground squirrel (Atlantoxerus getulus) pops up in North Africa and handles dry, rocky places just fine. Ground squirrels feed on roots, seeds, and small plants. They use their burrows to hide from predators and stash food.
Unique Species: African Pygmy Squirrel and Sun Squirrel
African squirrels come in all sizes. The African pygmy squirrel (Myosciurus pumilio) is one of the tiniest. It lives in Central African rainforests and zips along thin branches, hunting insect larvae and small fruit.
Sun squirrels (Heliosciurus) and the African giant squirrel (Protoxerus stangeri) stick to the forest canopy. Sun squirrels show off a range of colors, often with grizzled or reddish fur, and eat fruit, seeds, and arthropods.
Protoxerus stangeri is bigger, lives deep in the forest, and nests in tree holes. These small, tree-loving species depend on camouflage and quick moves to dodge hawks and snakes.
Adaptations and Behaviors of African Squirrels
You can spot clear adaptations that match their habitats. Tree squirrels rely on strong claws and long tails to keep their balance.
Ground squirrels, on the other hand, have sturdy limbs that help them dig. Bush squirrels usually settle into tree cavities or weave leaf nests, while Xerus species go all out and create elaborate burrow systems.
Their behaviors? Honestly, it depends. Most bush squirrels stick to themselves or hang out in small family groups, and they’re quick to sound off with loud alarm calls.
Ground squirrels, like the Cape ground squirrel, seem to prefer company and often forage side by side. When it comes to food, their diets jump from seeds and fruits to insects and even roots.
Seasonal changes in food supply can shape how and when they breed, and even how they defend their territory. If you’re curious about the different types, here’s a list of African bush squirrel species.
