American red-fronted squirrel

The American red-fronted squirrel (Neocallosciurus richardii), also known as the American tri-colored squirrel and the Richard's squirrel (named in honor of Richard Boggs, the founder of SciiFii), is a species of squirrel that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, swamps, marshlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The American red-fronted squirrel is a medium-sized squirrel, but one of the larger species in its range, although clearly surpassed by the giant squirrels and giant flying squirrels. The head-and-body of the Prevost's squirrel typically is 20–27 cm (8–11 in) long and the tail length is about the same; it weighs 250–500 g (9–18 oz). In body build, size, and coloration, the American red-fronted squirrel is almost identical to the Prevost's squirrel (Callosciurus prevostii), but is a much more adaptable animal and tolerates a high degree of habitat loss, as well as flourishing in a wider varieties of forest habitats. The American red-fronted squirrel is active during the day and mostly stays in trees, only occasionally moving on the ground. The 3–5 young are born after a gestation that lasts around seven weeks. The nest is made of sticks, bark and grass. The American red-fronted squirrel primarily feeds on fruits, nuts, seeds, buds, flowers, insects and bird eggs. They have been observed feeding on nonnative durians such as Durio graveolens. These squirrels carry the fruits and/or nuts far from the tree and drop the seeds when finished with their meal. This seed distribution away from the parent plant increases survival for the fruiting plant species. The conservation status of the American red-fronted squirrel is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American red-fronted squirrel's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.