Indian giant squirrel

King Giant Squirrel

The king giant squirrel ( Ratufa indica) is a species of giant squirrel ( genus Ratufa ) within the Squirrel ( Sciuridae ). It is one of the largest squirrel species and lives endemic in several subspecies in India.

Features

With a body length of 45 centimeters and a tail length up to 45 centimeters and a weight of 2 kg counts, the king giant squirrel ( Ratufa indica) of the largest representatives of the family of squirrels. At the back of the coat has a reddish -brown to black color. The tail is black, of the custom of the neck underside are white, cream-colored paws. At the upper and lower legs black stripes are long, yet. The head is colored brown or beige and the insides of the ears are white, the nose is pink.

Distribution and habitat

This type is found only in the tropical forests of India. Due to their different coat colors, scientists distinguish between up to five extant subspecies:

• Ratufa indica indica
• Ratufa indica superans
• Ratufa indica bengalensis
• Ratufa indica centralis
• Ratufa indica maxima
• Ratufa indica dealbata (possibly extinct )

Way of life

This diurnal species inhabits the upper portions of the trees and is rarely found on the ground. In addition to tree fruits, it barked trees to get at the underlying cambium. In addition, it disdains not bird eggs and nestlings. Its natural predators include Alder, other birds of prey, badgers, leopard. When fleeing from enemies, it can perform jumps of up to 6 m meters from tree to tree. This species is active year-round. As an emergency reserve for bad times these animals have a fat pad, which is located in the tail. The animals live alone or in pairs. How many squirrels also builds this kind of small nests ( Kobel ) in the trees to sleep and as a hiding place for their young.

Reproduction

Sexual maturity attain the animals with 3 years (females ), 4 years (male). Further details are not yet known.

Inventory and hazard protection

Although this species is still relatively common, it is threatened by the rapid destruction of their habitat due to human settlements, logging and hunting. This type is available in India under legal protection. In the land dozens reserves have been established, in addition, it is listed in Appendix II of CITES.