The grizzled giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura)
The grizzled giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura) is a large tree squirrel in the genus Ratufa found in the highlands of the Central and Uva provinces of Sri Lanka, and in patches of riparian forest along the Kaveri River and in the hill forests of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala states of southern India. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the species as near threatened due to habitat loss and hunting.
Habitat
Ratufa macroura is a large tree squirrel common in Sri Lanka and South India. It lives in tropical forests, in the highlands of the Central and Uva provinces in Sri Lanka, and in the coastal area of the Kaveri River and the forested hills of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in South India.
Distinguishing features
Ratufa macroura is the smallest of the giant squirrels found in India. Its body length varies from 25 to 45 cm, with the tail being the same length or even slightly longer, so that the total body length reaches 50-90 cm. It has pointed tassels on its small rounded ears. Ratufa macroura usually settle singly, rarely more than two of them can be found in one place. The site chosen by a particular giant squirrel may vary from one area to another, depending on the time of year and the availability of food. The habitat area of one individual is between 1970-6110 m².
Threatened species
Ratufa macroura is threatened by hunting and habitat reduction. The species is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Habitat, lifestyle and habits
Ratufa macroura inhabit the crowns of tall trees. These squirrels move by jumping, but compared to the jumps of common squirrels, their jumps can be up to 6 metres in length. Ratufas can jump 5-10 metres downwards, landing on large, wide pads on their paws. Ratufa macroura is ideally adapted for life in the treetops, it has a very long tail for balancing. Ratufa macroura's front legs have long toes and developed pads, as well as large, strong claws that allow them to climb trees with ease.
What Ratufa macroura feeds on
Despite their size, Ratufa macroura eat the same as all squirrels - they like to eat nuts, fruits, tree seeds, mushrooms and lichens; they also like to eat young tree shoots and buds, can catch and eat large insects, and sometimes raid bird nests in search of eggs and chicks.
Reproduction
The gestation period of Ratufa macroura is 28 days, after which it produces one or two baby squirrels. Ratufa macroura baby squirrels are born naked and blind, like normal squirrels, and their development is rather slow. The female feeds her cubs with milk for one and a half months. After six months, the young squirrels become sexually mature. Usually there are three broods per year; in drier areas the number is reduced to two. The lifespan of Ratufa macroura in the wild is about 5-6 years, but in captivity these squirrels often live up to 15 years.
Subspecies
The three subspecies are easily recognizable due to color distinctions. They are also geographically separated demes. The table below lists the three recognized subspecies of Ratufa macroura, along with any synonyms associated with each subspecies:
According to Mammals of Sri Lanka, the three subspecies are identified as follows:
Ratufa macroura macroura
Males are 35 cm long and females with 37 cm. Tail is 37 cm long in males and 38 cm in females. Jet black dorsal area with a sheen. Rump with white grizzling appearance. Underparts brownish creamy to pale yellow. Tail is with dark black fur with white tip. Face has pink color in naked areas. Fur moderately long with few coarse hairs. Geographically, this subspecies is restricted to central highlands up to 2000m, such as Horton Plains.
Ratufa macroura dandolena
Males are 37 cm long and females 35 cm. Tail varies from 37 cm in males and 40 cm in females. Males are larger than females. Dorsal surface is brown instead of jet black in subsp. macroura. White rump. Distinct maroon tinge between shoulders. There is a brownish cream crown patch. Underparts are light brownish cream. Tail is dark brown and there is a reddish-brown tip. Fleshy parts of face are pink. Fur moderately long and coarse. Inhabit dry zone parts of the island, as well as India.
Ratufa macroura melanochra
Males are 35 cm long and females 37 cm. Tail varies from 37 cm in males and 38 cm in females. Upperparts are jet black with contrasting color variation with creamy yellowish ventral surface. Fur is shorter and coarser. Found in low country wet zone, and intermediate zones of the country.
