RecentDNA analysis has shown that there is some confusion regarding the traditional classification of the species in the genusMicrosciurus,[2] and that the genus may bepolyphyletic.[3] Currently, there are fourspecies recognized:
A 2020 paper published on the taxonomy ofSciurinae splitMicrosciurus into three genera, one currently unnamed. The paper included genetic sampling from all species exceptSantander dwarf squirrel and(Microsciurus) simonsi. It suggests several new species, not all described.[4]
With a typical head-and-body length of about 15 cm (5.9 in) and a 12 cm (4.7 in) long tail, dwarf squirrels are relatively small. However, theNeotropical pygmy squirrel, not in this genus, is much smaller than these species, as are certain squirrels in Africa and Asia.Microsciurus species have gray or brown backs, and white bellies.
All dwarf squirrels in this genus live intropical rain forests. Estimates of their abundance are limited.[5] The IUCN lists the conservation status as "Least Concern" for three of the species and "Data Deficient" forMicrosciurus santanderensis.[6]
^Pečnerová, P. & Martínková, N. (February 2012). "Evolutionary history of tree squirrels (Rodentia, Sciurini) based on multilocus phylogeny reconstruction".Zoologica Scripta.41 (3):211–219.doi:10.1111/j.1463-6409.2011.00528.x.S2CID86487063.
