Black giant squirrel
A species of Oriental giant squirrels Scientific name : Ratufa bicolor Genus : Oriental giant squirrels
Black giant squirrel, A species of Oriental giant squirrels
Scientific name: Ratufa bicolor
Genus: Oriental giant squirrels
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Rohit Naniwadekar , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Head and body length varies from 35 to 58 centimetres (14 to 23 in) in length, and the tail is up to 60 centimetres (24 in) long, with an overall length of up to 118 centimetres (46 in). The back, ears and bushy tail are deep brown to black with a lighter buff-colored belly.
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Black giant squirrel primarily feeds on fruits, making it predominantly frugivorous. It also complements its dietary needs using leaves, flowers and bark. Occasionally, it indulges in insects and bird eggs for an additional protein boost.
Appearance
Black giant squirrel is a large squirrel characterized by a solid muscular build with fur that is thick, soft, and usually black or dark brown with a cream-colored belly. It boasts a massive bushy tail, often almost as long as its body. They display no significant variance in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Black giant squirrel typically inhabits high forest canopies, demonstrating excellent climbing ability. This solitary species engages in rigorous territorial defense, marking with scent glands. Remarkably, to procure food, it often uses its tail as a third arm while navigating tree branches.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Rohit Naniwadekar , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Gnawing mammals Family
Squirrels Genus
Oriental giant squirrels Species
Black giant squirrel