Grizzled Giant Squirrel

Ratufa macroura

Description:

This species is endemic to southern India (Kerala and Tamil Nadu) and Sri Lanka.It is a diurnal and arboreal species.The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the species as near threatened due to habitat loss and hunting.There are three subspecies, all of which are found in Sri Lanka.R. macroura is the smallest of the giant squirrels found in the Indian subcontinent.It has small rounded ears with pointed tufts. They are known to take fruits, nuts, insects, bird eggs, and the bark of some trees.n Sri Lanka, it is recorded from all parts of dry zone, specially in Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Kandalama, Matale, Wasgamuwa, and Central Hills and Uva Province.

Habitat:

I found this Grizzled Giant Squirrel at a rural village(Called "Ritigala") of Anuradhapura District,Sri Lanka.It is not shown in the map.When I met him,It was resting on a tree. I have never seen, a squirrel resting like that.As I remember, I looked at him more than 15 minutes.It didn't change the position during that time.

Species ID Suggestions

17 Comments

Dilan Chathuranga 9 years ago

Thank you for the comment Chamalka!!!

Chamalka Dulmini 9 years ago

sleeping baby....Nice shot Dilan!

Dilan Chathuranga 9 years ago

Thank you Bhagya!Daniele says that this squirrel is trying to cool down his body.Hope you remember the story that I said about this squirrel!!!!!

Dilan Chathuranga 9 years ago

Anuradhapura is a one of the districts of Dry zone. So I agree with you daniele!!!!!Thank you very much for your comment!!!

Bhagya Herath 9 years ago

heee our sleeping cutie..... awesome capture Dilo......

DanielePralong 9 years ago

Thank you very much Dilan! That's great. I would say from his posture he was trying to cool down from the heat.

Dilan Chathuranga 9 years ago

Hi Daniele!I added more details about this spotting according to your request.Thanks again!!!

Dilan Chathuranga 9 years ago

Ok Daniele!!!I will add informations now!These are not found in town areas of Sri Lanka. Most of the time they are found in natural forests.Thank you very much for the comment!!!!

DanielePralong 9 years ago

Hi again Dilan! I really like this spotting:-) Could you fill in the Habitat field, and tell us more about where you saw this squirrel? From the pin on the map it looks like it was in town? Thanks in advance.