Skiouros

Skiouros is a genus of Old World tree squirrels belonging to the family Sciuridae. The name "skiouros" is derived from the Greek words skia, meaning shadow, and oura, meaning tail, referring to the squirrel's bushy tail. These squirrels are primarily found in forests and woodlands across Europe and Asia. They are medium-sized squirrels, characterized by their long, bushy tails which they use for balance and communication. Their fur color can vary depending on the species and season, often including shades of brown, gray, and reddish-brown. Skiouros species are generally arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees, where they forage for nuts, seeds, fruits, and sometimes insects. They are known to build nests, called dreys, out of twigs and leaves, typically in tree hollows or on branches. Some species exhibit seasonal changes in their fur thickness and color. These squirrels play an important role in their ecosystems by dispersing seeds and serving as a food source for predators. The genus Skiouros is distinct from the genus Sciurus, which contains many of the North American tree squirrels, although both are within the squirrel family.