The grizzled giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura) is a large tree squirrel of 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 in southern India. It is the smallest of the giant squirrels of the Indian subcontinent, with a head and body length of 25 to 45 centimetres and a tail about as long or longer. It takes its name from the white flecks that cover its greyish-brown body, and three subspecies, which differ mainly in colour and range, are recognised. It is almost entirely arboreal and eats fruits, nuts, insects, bird eggs and the bark of some trees. The IUCN lists it as near threatened because of habitat loss and hunting.
Facts
Classification
System (Realm) ThreatsBiological Resource Use 1 Relationship to People Living or Extinct Comparison
CITES Appendix Conservation Status Connections
Child Taxon Of
Ratufa, Taxa Source Grizzled giant squirrel (Wikipedia)
In Biome
Source Grizzled giant squirrel (Wikipedia)
In the Other Atlases
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Source Grizzled giant squirrel (Wikipedia)Lead, range, where it livesQuote, Lead, range, where it lives
in the hill forests of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala states of southern India
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Source Grizzled giant squirrel (Wikipedia)Lead, rangeQuote, Lead, range
found in the highlands of the Central and Uva provinces of Sri Lanka
Sources
1. Animal Diversity Web: Ratufa macroura (Sri Lankan giant squirrel)
Animal Diversity WebIUCN Red List
IUCN Red List Near Threatened
Conservation Status
are listed on Appendix 2 of CITES
Food Habits
enjoy a diverse diet that includes fruits, nuts, insects, bird eggs, and the bark of some trees
Conservation Status, threats
Thinning of the forest canopy as a result of wood cutting
View the Source 2. Grizzled giant squirrel (Wikipedia)
Lead, living status
is a large tree squirrel in the genus Ratufa found in the highlands of the Central and Uva provinces of Sri Lanka
Lead, hunting
lists the species as near threatened due to habitat loss and hunting
Lead, realm
is a large tree squirrel in the genus Ratufa found in the highlands of the Central and Uva provinces of Sri Lanka
Lead, range
found in the highlands of the Central and Uva provinces of Sri Lanka
Lead, range, where it lives
in the hill forests of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala states of southern India
In Biome: Riparian Zone, Lead, habitat
in patches of riparian forest along the Kaveri River
In Group: Rodents And Lagomorphs, Lead, group
is a large tree squirrel in the genus Ratufa
Child Taxon Of: Ratufa, Lead, genus
is a large tree squirrel in the genus Ratufa
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