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Funambulus palmarum
The palm squirrel is about the size of a rat, with a bushy tail slightly shorter than its body. The back is a grizzled, gray-brown colour with three conspicuous white stripes which run from head to tail. These squirrels eat mainly nuts and fruits. They are fairly vocal, with a cry that sounds like "chip chip chip" when danger is present. They are opportunists in urban areas, and can be easily domesticated and trained to accept food from humans. The stripes on the palm squirrel's back are explained by a Hindu legend, which has it that a squirrel helped in the construction of the Adi sethu (bridge) at Rameswaram. The bridge was being constructed by Lord Rama and the Vanara Sena, and the squirrel played its part by rolling in beach sand, then running to the bridge to shake the sand from its back, all the time chanting Lord Rama's name. Lord Rama was pleased by the creature's dedication and, in stroking the squirrel's back, the marks of Rama's fingers were left on the squirrel ever since. This association with Lord Rama explains why squirrels are considered sacred in India. The legend of Lord Rama and the squirrel started in Tamil Nadu. Lord Rama and the squirrel is mentioned in one of the hymns of the Alvars.
It is found naturally in India (south of the Vindhyas) and Sri Lanka. In the late 19th century, the Palm squirrel was accidentally introduced into Western Australia, where it has since become a minor pest that is actively targeted for eradication due to its lack of natural predators.
Seen behind my mother's flat.
Spotted on May 29, 2012
Submitted on Jun 8, 2012
3 Comments
Thanks a lot Helena and Emma!
Very cute.
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