Japanese Squirrel

Japanese squirrels range from 16–22 centimetres (6.3–8.7 in) in body length from the head to the base of the tail, which makes up a further 13–17 centimetres (5.1–6.7 in). Their typical body weight is 250–310 grams (8.8–10.9 oz). Japanese squirrels have red-brown fur on their bodies and tails, with orange patches sometimes present on the sides and legs, that becomes grey over the winter. A white ring is typically present around the eye. The belly is white year-round.

The Japanese squirrel's native range consists of the islands of Honshū, Shikoku, and Kyūshū. Several populations in southern Honshū have disappeared, chiefly due to habitat loss, and the species is believed to have become extirpated from Kyūshū.. The Japanese squirrel is absent from Hokkaido, where it is replaced by the Sciurus vulgaris orientis subspecies of the related red squirrel, which is conversely absent from the rest of the Japanese archipelago outside of Hokkaido. Japanese squirrels live primarily in mixed-species to pine lowland and subalpine forests.

Japanese squirrels are diurnal and active throughout the year. They are solitary as adults, with minimal overlap between home ranges. Males typically defend a territory of 4–30 hectares (9.9–74.1 acres), while females defend territories of 4–17 hectares (9.9–42.0 acres). Territories tend to be larger in heavily fragmented environments, as squirrels need to incorporate larger quantities of less-suitable marginal habitat. It has been found that fallen dead trees serve as landmarks for the movement, vigilance, and resting of Japanese squirrels. Deadwood also can serve as hoarding sites for Japanese squirrels, which is crucial for their survival. The increase of deadwood may provide benefits to small mammals, such as the Japanese squirrel, and the quality of habitat is improved significantly. The Japanese squirrel's predators include the Japanese marten, foxes, domestic cats, domestic dogs, and predatory birds including raptors and crows.

Diet. Japanese squirrels are herbivores and feed primarily on seeds, fruits, buds, and flowers gathered from trees; insects and fungi are also eaten more sporadically. Foraging occurs both on the ground and in tree canopies. Food hoarding focuses on thick-shelled fruit such as walnuts. Japanese walnut (Juglans ailantifolia) is a particularly important food in lowland mixed-species forests. …