Sri Lankan Giant Squirrel
Ratufa macroura
Conservation Status
Near ThreatenedMammalia · Rodentia · Sciuridae
About
The grizzled giant squirrel 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.
Fun Fact
macroura is the smallest of the giant squirrels found in the Indian subcontinent, with a head and body length of 25 to 45 cm (10–18 in), and tail measuring roughly the same or more, for a total length of 50 to 90 cm (20–35 in).
Quick Facts
Habitat
To be updated
Diet
Eat fruits, nuts, insects, bird eggs, and the bark of some trees.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Hunting and Collection
- Climate Change