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African pygmy squirrels were previously known by the scientific names Myosciurus minutus, Myosciurus minutulus, Sciurus pumilio, and Sciurus minutus, until Myosciurus pumilio was adopted as the current name combination. Due to the limited number of specimens and research, much is still unknown regarding M. pumilio. There is no fossil record and no genetic data available for this species.
Although African pygmy squirrels are solitary, a low-intensity alarm vocalization that is described as a “faint pipping sound,” has been recorded, seeming to call attention to nearby danger. When repeated, these single calls vary little in frequency or in length of the interval between calls. These calls may warn offspring or nearby animals of a threat. Like all squirrels, they have keen vision, hearing, and sense of smell. They use vibrissae on their bodies to help them navigate on tree trunks and branches.
Communication Channels: acoustic
Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical
In 1989 African pygmy squirrels were classified as vulnerable because of low numbers and susceptibility to deforestation due to their small geographic range. Currently they are considered Data Deficient by the IUCN until more is known regarding population numbers. The IUCN views deforestation and habitat degradation as the main threat to this species, because it directly reduces their habitat. African pygmy squirrels are not currently protected by legislation, but sanctuaries across their range are a vital way of conserving this species. The IUCN has emphasized the need for further research into M. pumilio population numbers and exact range.
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
State of Michigan List: no special status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern
There are no known adverse effects of African pygmy squirrels on humans.
The positive economic importance of M. pumilio for humans is unknown.
African pygmy squirrels are bark gleaners. Because of their small size and scarcity they seem to have little impact on the ecosystem around them, although their reliance on a tree fungus could impact the distribution of that fungus, which may in turn affect tree growth. Nothing is known about parasitic faunas on African pygmy squirrels.
African pygmy squirrels are omnivorous, bark gleaners who forage incessantly. They eat scrapings from bark after pulling small chips off the surface of trees, as well as insects and fruit. Stomach contents include bark fragments, fungus, oil droplets, termites, ants and some fruit fragments. It is hypothesized that a microscopic fungus with oily spores may be the primary food substance these squirrels obtain from the bark. Unlike most other squirrels, African pygmy squirrels do not cache food.
Animal Foods: insects
Plant Foods: wood, bark, or stems; fruit
Other Foods: fungus
Primary Diet: herbivore (Lignivore); mycophage
Myosciurus pumilio is found in western Central Africa in the countries of Cameroon, Gabon, northwestern Congo, and Equatorial Guinea, including the island of Bioko. Their range is not well characterized and may be larger than presently recognized.
Biogeographic Regions: ethiopian (Native )
African pygmy squirrels are arboreal and found in all types of central African forests within their range. They have been observed from the floor to the canopy, but apparently prefer lower levels of the canopy, spending the majority of their time at heights of 0 to 5 meters. They spend their inactive time in exposed leaf-nests.
Habitat Regions: tropical ; terrestrial
Terrestrial Biomes: forest ; rainforest
There is no information available regarding the lifespan of M. pumilio. Larger squirrels have maximum lifespans of 9 to 15 years.
African pygmy squirrels share many of the distinctive tree squirrel characteristics, such as having longer hindlimbs than forelimbs, a skull with an arched profile, ever-growing incisors, rooted cheek teeth, and a sciurognathus lower jaw. They are the smallest squirrel in the world. The average adult weight is 16.5 grams. Their small body size is believed to be an adaptation to access bark on every tree surface, allowing these squirrels to move as easily on the underside of a branch as the top surface. Their small size differentiates them from other African sciurids. The largest skull ever recorded was less than 25 mm in length. The masseteric tubercule of M. pumilio is absent, and the palate does not extend beyond the ends of the maxillary toothrow. There is one premolar in each side of the upper jaw. The dental formula is 1/1, 0/0, 1/1, 3/3 = 20. Due to a smaller brain size and thus a reduced zygomatic arch, the arrangement of the masseter is very similar to that of neotropical pygmy squirrels (Sciurillus pusillus) with a more anterior insertion of the anterior deep masseter. In both species the zygomatic plate and muscle fibers are oriented more vertically than in larger squirrels increasing the strength of the incisor bite. The length of head and body is 60 to 75 mm, while the length of tail is 50 to 60 mm. The pelage of M. pumilio is soft with buffy green upper parts and an olive white underside. They have fluffy tails. The borders of the eyelids and the edges of their rounded ears are white. A slight sexual dimorphism has been observed, with female body size moderately smaller then males but male cranial measurements slightly smaller than females.
Average mass: 16.5 g.
Range length: 60 to 75 mm.
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry
Sexual Dimorphism: male larger
Active African pygmy squirrels most likely fall victim to birds of prey, such as hawks and falcons. Nocturnal nest predators include snakes, army ants, and civets. African pygmy squirrels are cryptically colored and remain vigilant to protect themselves from predators.
Known Predators:
Anti-predator Adaptations: cryptic
Little is known of the mating systems of M. pumilio. In general, arboreal squirrels have a polygamous mating system, with males competing for access to females who are sexually receptive for less than a day. Males must chase females, who avoid them as long as possible. Eventually the female will accept the most competitive male, and they will mate in a sheltered area to lessen the threat of attack or injury during copulation.
Mating System: polygynandrous (promiscuous)
Little is known about reproduction in African pygmy squirrels. Limited data indicate a four-month period of little or no breeding. Few pregnant or lactating females have been observed so information is limited. There are records of two pregnant females, each with two embryos, being captured as well as a lactating female captured in early spring. Based on these specimens, pairs of mammae seem to vary from 1 to 2 and it has been suggested that breeding occurs early in the year.
Breeding interval: Breeding interval in African pygmy squirrels is unknown.
Breeding season: Breeding in African pygmy squirrels appears to be concentrated seasonally, but there is little information on seasonality.
Average number of offspring: 2.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; viviparous
Female African pygmy squirrels provide all parental care through gestation, lactation, and protecting their young. There is no information available regarding time to weaning and the duration of dependence for the young of M. pumilio.
Parental Investment: altricial ; female parental care ; pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-independence (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female)
