|
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.
|
