Grizzled or Sri Lankan Giant Squirrel
Ratufa macroura are distributed throughout southern India and Sri Lanka. They are almost completely arboreal. Forays to the ground occur when evading predators or chasing other squirrels during the breeding season. They are very agile in the trees and have the ability to leap more than six meters from tree to tree. Ratufa macroura use holes in tree trunks as temporary shelters.
Sri Lankan giant squirrel
The smallest of India’s giant squirrels, Ratufa macroura have a head and body length of 25-45cm . Their tails can be as long or longer. Ratufa macroura possess short round ears that are often tufted. Their hands are very broad and are well adapted for gripping. Both their hands and feet are equipped with large powerful claws, making them agile climbers. Ratufa macroura get their common name from the coloration of their tails. The dorsal surface of the tail is gray or brownish-gray with distinct white highlights, giving the fur a grizzled appearance. The coloration of the rest of the body varies greatly by locality and may include various shades of brown, red, gray and black, but the ventral fur is always lighter. A number of subspecies have been classified strictly on the basis of color variations.
Reproduction
Ratufa macroura are poorly studied and there is very little data available on their reproductive cycle. The gestation period is believed to last about 28 days. During the breeding season, a large nest, similar in appearance to an eagle’s nest, is constructed. Parturition occurs within the nest, and the young remain there for at least two to three months. Each litter consists of one or two young, and the female nurses them from her three pairs of mammary glands. It has been speculated that Ratufa macroura may raise several litters each year; however, this is unconfirmed.
Behavior
Ratufa macroura are most active in the morning and early evening. Midday is a time of rest, and these squirrels are often observed sleeping spread-eagle on a branch. The giant squirrels differ from other tree squirrels in that they do not sit upright when feeding. Instead, they balance on their hind feet with their body on one side of the branch and the tail acting as a counterbalance on the other side of the branch. Ratufa macroura show limited social behavior. They occur alone or in pairs and are highly territorial. These squirrels have a very distinct voice and can be very vocal. Like many primates, Ratufa macroura react to the sighting of predators by raising a general alarm, a series of calls and barks that alert others to the predator’s presence. When disturbed, these squirrels may flee or freeze. They have been observed to flatten themselves against a branch and remain motionless when frightened. Overall, Ratufa macroura are very wary and keep themselves well hidden in the dense vegetation.
Food Habits
Ratufa macroura enjoy a diverse diet that includes fruits, nuts, insects, bird eggs, and the bark of some trees. The fruit of the climber Combretum ovalifolium is an especially important food source where it occurs. Young squirrels, upon first emerging from the nest, have been observed to feed exclusively on this fruit. In captivity they should be offered a complete diet of rodent lab blocks, and rat or mouse mix, with bits of fruit or veggies regularly. Cheerios or wheat bread are great treats, in small quantities. Do NOT feed chocolate, fried foods, salted foods, candy or junk food! They may enjoy crickets and mealworms if they are captive bred, never feed wild insects as they may carry parasites. Vitamins, like Nutri-Cal are a good addition to their diet, and added calcium during nursing and growth due to demands on their systems at those times, but take care not to overdo it. Water bottles should be used to proved constant, clean water. Ceramic or stoneware food dishes work well for keeping seeds or fresh foods off the floor, and a wire mesh hopper that allows them to eat the lab blocks through without extra waste.
