A federally endangered subspecies of red squirrel restricted to a single mountain in Arizona. Among the most range-restricted US mammals.

Also called: Mount Graham Red Squirrel

Native status: Native; federally endangered (1987); endemic to Pinaleño Mountains

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 18–22 cm (7–8.7 in); tail 12–16 cm
Weight205–290 g (7.2–10.2 oz)
LifespanWild 4–5 years
OrderRodentia
FamilySciuridae

§ Encyclopedia

The Mount Graham red squirrel is an endangered subspecies of the southwestern red squirrel native to the Pinaleño Mountains of Arizona. It is smaller than most other subspecies of red squirrel, and also does not have the white-fringed tail that is common to the species. Its diet consists mainly of mixed seeds, conifer cones and air-dried fungi. It exhibits similar behavior to other squirrels in its species.

Source: Wikipedia — Mount Graham red squirrel Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small reddish-brown squirrel with white belly. Slightly paler than other North American red squirrel subspecies.

Similar species. Abert's Squirrel (much larger, tasseled ears, on Mt. Graham at lower elevations). Other Tamiasciurus subspecies (not in Arizona).

Voice. Sharp "chatter" calls; territorial scolding similar to other red squirrels.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Spruce, fir, and pine cones; mushrooms; some flower buds and conifer seeds. Caches harvested cones in "middens" — refuse piles of scales used for generations.

Behavior. Restricted to a single mountain — the Pinaleño Mountains of southeastern Arizona — above ~8,000 ft. A "sky island" relict from cooler Pleistocene climates, isolated from all other red squirrel populations for ~10,000 years. Estimated 156 individuals in 2022. The 2017 Frye Fire devastated 25%+ of remaining habitat; climate-driven drought is the leading long-term threat.

§ Range

Pinaleño Mountains, Arizona

§ Habitat

Isolated spruce-fir forest island

§ Threats

Climate change, wildfire, habitat fragmentation.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the mt. graham red squirrel is currently classified as Endangered.

§ What helps

Support Pinaleño Mountains conservation. Donate to USFWS recovery.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USFWS Mt. Graham Red Squirrel Recovery
  • University of Arizona School of Natural Resources
  • Arizona Game and Fish Department
  • IUCN Red List 2016