Grizzled giant squirrel
A species of Oriental giant squirrels Scientific name : Ratufa macroura Genus : Oriental giant squirrels
Grizzled giant squirrel, A species of Oriental giant squirrels
Scientific name: Ratufa macroura
Genus: Oriental giant squirrels
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Steve Garvie , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
R. macroura is the smallest of the giant squirrels found in the Indian subcontinent, with a head and body length of 25 to 45 centimetres (9.8 to 17.7 in), and tail measuring roughly the same or more, for a total length of 50 to 90 centimetres (20 to 35 in). It has small rounded ears with pointed tufts. The home range of an individual is between 1,970 and 6,110 square metres. Subspecies dandolena is dorsally brown grizzled with white. Ventrally light brownish cream. Tail frosted with white fur. Forehead and feet are black in color. Whereas ssp. melamochra, upper parts are jet black which contrast brownish cream to orange yellow ventral surface. Tail frosted with black fur. Snout of both ssp. are pinkish color. Hands are normally pentadactylous, with four digits and a rudimentary thumb. Fingers have large broad soft pads, where the inner pad is expanded for gripping while moving through branches. Feet are also comprised with soft pads with both fore and hind limbs possessing long, sharp claws. 
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Grizzled giant squirrel primarily consumes fruits, making an exception for insects occasionally. Characterized by a selectivity for lush, ripe fruit, it has a critical role in seed dispersal in its habitat.
Appearance
Grizzled giant squirrel is a large-size squirrel with a slim, elongated body framed by a long bushy tail. It sports dense fur, predominantly gray or brown in color, with creamy white underparts. The species doesn't display notable differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies. Its most striking feature is undoubtedly its tail, which can be twice as long as its body, giving it a distinctive silhouette.
Behavior
Grizzled giant squirrel is primarily a solitary and arboreal creature, often engaging in acrobatic activities within the canopy layer of the forest. It feeds primarily on fruits, leaves, and insects, using sharp claws for foraging. Notably, grizzled giant squirrel is territorial, using visual and vocal displays to ward off rivals. Despite displaying diurnal behavior, it is also known to be active after sunset, indicating some level of nocturnal tendencies.
Population
Decreasing
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Gnawing mammals Family
Squirrels Genus
Oriental giant squirrels Species
Grizzled giant squirrel 
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