AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Sciurus deppei
Deppe's Squirrel
Peters, 1863
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small-to-medium-sized arboreal squirrel with a dark grizzled coat, often featuring reddish-brown or orange undertones and a bushy tail.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Rodentia
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Sciuridae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Sciurus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Peters, 1863
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits tropical deciduous forests, cloud forests, and coffee plantations from Mexico to Costa Rica.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal and largely arboreal; spends most of its time in trees foraging for nuts, seeds, and fruits.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary, though may interact during mating periods.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Omnivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Omnivore; consumes seeds, nuts, fruits, flowers, and occasionally insects or small eggs.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Nests in tree hollows; typically produces one or two litters per year.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
18.0 - 25.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
200 g - 350 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 3
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
6 - 10 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
40 - 50
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 6 Years
Females3 - 6 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Strong claws and agile climbing ability adapted for life in the canopy; varied diet allows survival in diverse environments.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Loss of forest habitat due to agriculture, logging, and urban expansion.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
These squirrels are known to be quite vocal, using a variety of chirps and calls to communicate with others in the canopy.