But did you know that there are 18 different species of squirrels in the world? That’s right, from the tiniest pygmy squirrel to the bushy-tailed giant ground squirrel, they come in all shapes and sizes. Some live high up in trees while others make their homes underground. And a few even spend their time swimming!
So when you next see one scurrying around your neighbourhood, take a closer look – it might just be an unfamiliar but fascinating member of the Squirrel family.
The squirrel you’ll be likely witnessing here is the palm squirrel, which can be easily identified due to its reddish fur and white stripe on its back. Unlike the common grey or American red squirrel, this little creature doesn’t have a bushy tail. This species predominately lives in southern India and Sri Lanka.
Many locals consider them as pests because they often invade their homes in search for food, but luckily for tourists these critters are not aggressive and rather curious making them charming photo subjects.
The Malabar squirrel is the world’s largest species of tree squirrel. They can weigh anywhere from 1 to 2 kg, and they reach body lengths of up to 50 cm. These creatures are found in tropical forests near the Indian subcontinent, and they have a reddish brown coat with black markings on their back, limbs, and tail. They also possess a long bushy tail which helps them balance as they leap through the trees.
Boldly patterned with orange-red fur across most of its body above rich chocolatey brown flanks fading into yellow underparts; some populations may exhibit white bellies.
The Malabar squirrel is a beautiful animal, with striking black and white fur. They are found in the evergreen forests of southern India. Sadly, they are also an endangered species. There are estimated to be only about 1000 left in the wild.
Their numbers have dwindled due to loss of habitat and hunting by humans.
The Malabar giant squirrel is one of the biggest members of the rodent family and can weigh up to 2 kg (4,5 lbs). The average body length ranges from 45 to 70 cm (18-27 inch) but some Malabars have been recorded as long as 91 cm (36 inches)!
The Indian giant squirrels are beautiful animals that have adapted well to their environment. Their coloring helps them blend in with their surroundings and avoid detection, but when they are in the sunlight their true colors show. They are part of an ancient group of squirrels that has been around for a long time.
