Microsciurus

Microsciurus is a genus of small tree squirrel commonly called dwarf squirrels, native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. Members typically have a head and body length of about fifteen centimeters and a tail of about twelve centimeters, with gray or brown backs and white bellies. Four species are currently recognized, the Central American dwarf squirrel, the Amazon dwarf squirrel, the western dwarf squirrel and the Santander dwarf squirrel, all inhabiting tropical rainforest. Recent DNA analysis has suggested the genus as currently defined may be polyphyletic, and a 2020 taxonomic revision proposed splitting it into multiple genera. Three of the four species are assessed as Least Concern, while the fourth is listed as Data Deficient owing to limited abundance estimates.