Appearance
"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, and tail measuring roughly the same or more, for a total length of 50 to 90 centimetres. 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.
Naming
There are three subspecies, all of which are found in Sri Lanka. The subspecies "R. m. dandolena" is also found in India.
Distribution
In India, R.macroura has been recorded from Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary, Theni Forest Division, Palni Hills, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Anaimalai Tiger reserve, Sirumalai, Thiruvannamalai Forest Division of the Eastern Ghats, Hosur Forest Division and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.In Sri Lanka, it is recorded from all parts of dry zone, specially in Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Kandalama, Matale, Wasgamuwa, and Central Hills and Uva Province.
Food
Ratufa macroura are known to take 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.References:
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