Indian giant squirrel - Ratufa indica (2239249041)

Description:

Description: The Indian giant squirrel, Ratufa indica, is a large-bodied diurnal, arboreal, and herbivorous squirrel found in South Asia.[1] Also called the Malabar giant squirrel, the species is endemic to deciduous, mixed deciduous, and moist evergreen forests of peninsular India, reaching as far north as the Satpura hill range of Madhya Pradesh (approx. 22° N).[1] The Indian giant squirrel is an upper-canopy dwelling species, which rarely leaves the trees, and requires "tall profusely branched trees for the construction of nests."[1] It travels from tree to tree with jumps of up to 6 m (19.69 ft). When in danger, the Ratufa indica often freezes or flattens itself against the tree trunk, instead of fleeing.[2] Its main predators are the birds of prey and the leopard.[2] Adult head and body length varies between 14–16 in (36–41 cm) and the tail length is approximately 2 ft (0.61 m).[4] Adult weight - 2 kg (4.41 lb). Native to - Forested regions of peninsular India as far north as 22° N. Date: 3 February 2008, 00:29. Source: Indian giant squirrel - Ratufa indica Uploaded by Fæ. Author: Dhruvaraj S from India.