Paraxerus cepapi Total length 35cm. Weight 100–250g.
This common rodent is a uniform grey or buff colour, with a long tail that is furry but not bushy. It's widely distributed all over southern and East Africa, and occurs throughout northern Botswana in most woodland habitats, although not wet evergreen or montane forests. Bush squirrels are so numerous in mopane woodlands that it can be difficult to avoid seeing it, hence its other common name – the mopane squirrel.

Bush squirrels live alone, in pairs, or in small groups, usually nesting in a drey of dry leaves, in a hole in a tree. They are diurnal and venture to the ground to feed on seeds, fruit, nuts, vegetable matter and small insects. When alarmed they often bolt up the nearest tree, keeping on the side of the trunk away from the threat, out of sight as much as possible. If they can find a safe vantage point with a view of the threat, then they'll sometimes make a loud clicking alarm call.