Giant Ratufa squirrel. Ratufa or Indian giant squirrel Where do Ratufa squirrels live?
Ratufa belongs to the squirrel family, rodent order. Representatives of this genus are also called giant squirrels.
The ratufa body length is about 50 cm, and the weight reaches up to 3 kg. The bushy tail is approximately equal to the length of the body.
The coloration is very diverse and varies from an orange tint to less striking gray and brown tones. Against this background, a black shiny back and a lighter yellowish-brown belly stand out. Ratufa has short, rounded ears decorated with tassels.
The front paws with long toes and developed pads are armed with claws. The smallest variety of these squirrels differs in size from related forms: such squirrels are approximately 25-30 cm in length, but such body dimensions are comparable to the size of ordinary squirrels.
Ratufa is represented by four types:
- Ratufa macroura is found in South India and Ceylon.
- Ratufa bicolor (R. bicolor) lives in Burma, Nepal, Indochina, and Eastern India.
- Malay rathufa (R. affinis) is common in Indonesia and the Malay Peninsula.
- Indian Ratufa (R. indica) inhabits almost the entire Indian subcontinent peninsula up to Surat and Orissa.
Ratufa habitats
Ratufas live in wet and seasonally dry tropical forests. Squirrels hide in the crowns of tall trees.
Ratufa is a large and brightly colored squirrel. Peculiarities of ratuf behavior
Ratufas are territorial loners; they are rarely found in one place with more than two individuals. Squirrels control their individual feeding area. Its boundaries may vary in different areas depending on the amount of food and the season.
Ratufs in the crowns of tall trees move in leaps. However, compared to the jumping of ordinary squirrels, their movement can be called a real flight up to 6 meters long.
Giant squirrels can also jump 5-10 meters to the ground, landing on their well-developed, wide paw pads.
Ratufa nutrition
Ratufas find their food in trees. Squirrels feed on tree seeds, fruits, nuts, mushrooms and lichens. They eat young tree shoots and buds, catch large insects, and destroy bird nests in search of eggs and chicks.
Ratufa propagation
Ratufa makes a refuge in hollows located in the middle or upper part of the tree crown.
Bears cubs for 28 days. Gives birth to one or two squirrels. They are born naked and blind, completely helpless, their development occurs rather slowly. The female feeds the squirrels with milk for one and a half months. Typically, the ratufa has three broods per year; in drier habitats, their number decreases to two. After six months, young squirrels are able to reproduce. The lifespan of ratufa in nature is 5-6 years. In captivity, giant squirrels can live longer - up to 15 years.
Reasons for the decrease in the number of ratufs
In the last two decades, a decrease in the number of ratufas in nature has been recorded. The main danger to animals is uncontrolled hunting for tasty meat. In addition, there is a reduction in squirrel habitats due to deforestation.
There is hardly a person who has never seen a squirrel. Many people are familiar with this nimble red animal with long ears and a large fluffy tail from childhood, at least from Pushkin’s fairy tale about Tsar Saltan: “The squirrel sings songs and gnaws all the nuts.” His paws are strong with strong long claws, thanks to them he climbs trees well, and his sharp teeth easily crack hazelnuts.
Since ancient times, various legends and beliefs have been associated with the squirrel. Among the Japanese, it was considered a symbol of fertility, and in most European countries it symbolized evil, destructive forces, apparently because of its red coat and agility, which were associated with the fire element.
This is one of the most common rodents on our planet. Maybe also because he easily got along with people. In city parks, furry pranksters are not afraid to come down from the tree and treat themselves directly from their hands. This is such a gentle, peace-loving little animal.
There are 48 genera of proteins, including no less than 280 species. Such a large variety of squirrels inhabits all continents with the exception of Australia and, naturally, Antarctica; they are not found in Madagascar; they cannot be seen everywhere in Africa and South America, but they have a wide range in Europe.
In this red kingdom, the smallest animal is only up to 7.5 cm long, our familiar nut lover is up to 30 cm, but it turns out there are also very large representatives of the squirrel world. This is what our conversation will be about.
The Ratufa squirrel is a heat-loving, rather impressive-sized animal that lives in the humid forests of South Asia. The largest one “stretches” up to half a meter, and with a tail that is no smaller than the body, it will be the whole meter.
Such a squirrel weighs up to 3 kg, which is why it is called giant. These tallest representatives of the squirrel kingdom are not at all like our little red-haired pranksters, who weigh 10 times less.
Their coloring is not quite usual; it combines several colors, for example, black on the back with orange, yellow or dark brown on the belly.
The ears also differ in their structure: sort of small round rounds, they end with a tassel only on the large-tailed Ratufa, which gives it a vague resemblance to our cute squirrels.
The front paws have long, hooked toes with dense pads that cushion well when jumping, and they are also gigantic, can reach a length of 6 meters.
Varieties of Ratufa squirrels
There are 4 species in the Ratufa squirrel genus:
- Ratufa macroura. Distributed in the highlands of Sri Lanka (translated from Sanskrit as “blessed land”), in India it is found in the southern state of Tamil Nadu and on the forested banks of the Kaveri River. Body length with head is 25-45 cm, with tail varies between 50-90 cm. Considered the smallest of the giant squirrels, it is divided into three subspecies: Ratufa m. macroura, Ratufa m. Dandolena, Ratufa m. Melanocra.
- Indian Ratufa (Ratufa indica). As the name itself indicates, it lives in India, in the southern tropical rainforests, but it can also be seen in the central part of the country in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Such squirrels, including their tail, reach a length of 1 m and weigh up to 2 kg. They usually feed during the day and live isolated in small families, each with its own color characteristics. They are used to determine from which area this or that exotic specimen comes. There is no consensus among biologists as to how many subspecies of Ratufa indica there are, some say there are 5, others claim that there are only 4, on the grounds that in the north-west of India (Gujarat) one allegedly disappeared. There is an opinion that there are even as many as 8 of them, depending on the type of color in a given area. There is debate among scientists about whether some subspecies should be considered a species.
- Ratufa bicolor. Widely distributed in mountain coniferous and tropical forests of Southeast Asia (northeast India, Nepal, Burma, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesian islands). It can be significantly more than a meter (118 cm) in length.
- Cream Ratufa (Ratufa affinis). It lives in mountain forests adjacent to the two-colored squirrel, as well as on the island of Borneo (Kalimantan) in the Malay Archipelago. Less than a meter long, weighing up to 1.5 kg. There are many subspecies of cream squirrels, these are Ratufa a. Bancana, Ratufa a. Baramensis, Ratufa a. Bunguranensis, Ratufa a. Cothurnata, Ratufa. a. Ephippium, Ratufa a. Hypoleucos, Ratufa a. Insignis, Ratufa a. Polia.
Lifestyle of the giant squirrel Ratufa
All species of ratuf live in tropical rainforests, often in inaccessible mountainous areas. They settle in trees and leave them only when absolutely necessary. They jump from branch to branch over long distances, sensing a threat, they do not run away, but freeze, as if pressed into the trunk.
In natural conditions, large birds of prey and leopards pose a danger to them. They are most active in searching for food in the morning and in the evening; during the hot afternoon they have a “siesta”; squirrels rest comfortably in their shelter.
The animal can be called gloomy, because it loves solitude; rare individuals are together. As a rule, males and females find each other only during the breeding season.
Sometimes they choose a large hollow as their place of residence; more often they build them high in the crown of trees so that predators do not reach the large nest balls. There are several of these, one is intended for sleep, others are designed for offspring.
Rodents feed on various gifts of the forest: nuts, plant seeds, leaves, mushrooms and lichens; they do not disdain insects, bird eggs and even chicks; they can eat their smaller brothers. So they have predatory tendencies.
Mating season for squirrels occurs several times a year. Observation of Ratufa bicolor in a nursery showed that offspring are born in spring and autumn, in a favorable year there are up to 3 broods, in a dry year - only two.
The female bears the cubs for 28-35 days, one or two naked and blind baby squirrels are born, the mother feeds them with milk for 2 months. After six months, having grown stronger, they become independent and are already capable of reproduction.
Existential threat and protection of Ratufa
Under natural conditions, giant squirrels live no more than 6 years; in enclosures, where there is no need to waste energy searching for food, they can live up to 20.
Man is a threat to the existence of Ratuf in nature, because he hunts them for beautiful fur and meat, and cuts down forests in their habitats. Thus, the number of two-color Ratuf due to human activity has decreased by 30%.
And at the same time, at the state level, people are concerned about preserving the population, which, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is in danger of extinction. To save the big-tailed Ratufa from final extinction, it was listed in the International Red Book.
To preserve this species, a reserve was created in the Indian city of Srivilliputtur; another vast protected area for giant squirrels is located in the state of Maharashtra. In Europe, ratuf can be seen in zoos, for example, in the Czech cities of Brno, Ostrava or Leipzig (Germany).
Watch the video about Ratuf big-tailed:
The giant squirrel Ratufa is a peaceful and trusting animal, completely harmless to humans. Due to its fur and meat, as well as deteriorating living conditions, it is in danger of extinction. To prevent this from happening, effective measures are being taken to protect it in India and other countries where it lives. If people do not protect this exotic rodent, nature will lose one more of its bright colors. The beauty of life lies in the diversity of all life on our planet!
The Indian giant squirrel (lat. Ratufa indica) is one of the largest representatives of the squirrel family (Sciuridae) and the symbol of the Indian state of Maharashtra. This large rodent is capable of jumping over a distance of up to 6-7 m, using a fluffy tail up to 50 cm long as a rudder in flight.
It is considered a sacred animal in Shaivism and is especially revered by the monks of the Bhimashankar Temple located in the Sahyadra Mountains in the Western Ghats.
Behavior
The animal leads a solitary lifestyle and is found exclusively in the dense tropical and subtropical forests of central and southern India at altitudes up to 2300 m above sea level. From 2 to 13 individuals can coexist on one square kilometer, depending on the abundance of food.
The greatest activity occurs in the early morning and evening before sunset. Hollows and thick branches are used for resting and spending the night.
The basis of the diet is nuts and plant seeds. Squirrels also eat young tree leaves, flowers, bark and fruit. Bird eggs, insects and their larvae are periodically eaten.
Food is obtained in the upper tiers of the forest; Indian giant squirrels practically do not descend to the ground.
The rodent eats prey while sitting, carefully holding it in its front paws.
Reproduction
The mating season begins at the beginning of spring or summer. In some areas of the subtropics, breeding can occur all year round. Males at this time become aggressive and often get into fights with each other.
More often than not, the larger and stronger male simply chases the weaker one until he leaves his territory.
The winner receives the right to create his own harem. There are usually 2-3 females in a harem. They build their own nest or use a ready-made hollow to breed offspring. Pregnancy lasts from 28 to 35 days.
Usually twins or one baby squirrel are born.
Triplets happen less often. Babies are helpless, deaf and blind from birth. Milk feeding lasts up to 50 days. Squirrels become sexually mature at the age of 2 years.
Description
The body length of adult animals ranges from 25.5 to 45.5 cm, and weight from 1.5 to 2 kg. The fur is thick and brownish or reddish in color. Individuals are often coffee-colored with a light purple underfur. The throat, head and forelimbs are paler. The belly is yellowish-brown. The color of the back varies depending on the subspecies and habitat.
The ears are relatively small and rounded. During the mating season, long tassels appear on them. The front legs are well developed and easily hold prey. The hind legs have long, strong claws that allow them to move quickly along tree branches.
Lifespan in the wild is unknown. In captivity, the Indian giant squirrel can live up to 20 years.
The habitat of the Indian giant squirrel Ratufa (in India it is called Malabar) is limited to the Hindustan Peninsula. With increasing deforestation in the region, the range of this animal continues to shrink. Giant squirrels prefer tropical rainforests. They spend most of the day in trees. Animals are active in the early morning hours and in the evening; at noon they prefer to rest.
Giant squirrels are omnivores, feeding on fruits, flowers, nuts, tree bark, bird eggs and insects. They do this standing on their hind legs, using their front legs to handle food, and using their large tail as a counterweight for better balance. Moving from tree to tree, they can cover a distance of 6 meters or more in a jump. Giant squirrels rarely leave the trees, usually only to chase other squirrels during breeding season.
These are very shy and cautious squirrels and are not easy to spot. They are wary of other animals, trying to hide in dense vegetation. And not without reason. Even there, in the treetops, they have something to fear: large cats, martens, birds of prey and snakes. When a squirrel is threatened, it often freezes, merging with the tree trunk, rather than fleeing.
The back of the giant ratufa squirrel is covered with thick fur that is creamy beige, dark red or brown. The belly and front legs are usually cream in color, and the head can be brown or beige, however all squirrels of this species have a distinctive white patch between the ears. The ears are short and round, the wide paws are armed with large, powerful claws that help cling to the bark of trees and branches. Females differ from males in the presence of mammary glands. The total body length varies from 25 to 46 cm and the tail length is approximately the same as the body length. Indian ratuf squirrels weigh approximately 1.5 to 2 kg.
Little is known about the mating behavior of this animal, because the giant squirrel is not a pet and its behavior can only be judged based on observations of it in the wild. Males actively compete for females during the mating season and, once they have chosen a mate, can remain in pairs for long periods of time. The reproductive behavior of the ratuf squirrel is also poorly understood. There is some evidence that reproduction occurs throughout the year, or several times a year. The female's pregnancy lasts from 28 to 35 days. There are usually one or two cubs in a litter, but there can be more than three. The female ratufa is a good mother and stays close to the babies until they leave the nest and begin to feed on their own. It is not known how long squirrels live in nature. In captivity they can live up to 20 years.
If you saw this amazing animal with multi-colored fur and a long tail, you would hardly recognize it as a squirrel, but rather as a lemur or some kind of primate.
Here is a most interesting animal - Indian giant squirrel or ratufa (Ratufa indica). In India, this very large rodent is called the Malabar.
These herbivores live in mixed, deciduous and moist evergreen forests. The distribution area of the Indian giant squirrel is not limited to the Hindustan Peninsula, but extends much further. This large arboreal rodent is also found not only in the high mountain regions of Sri Lanka, the tropical forests of South India and the island of Indonesia, but also in certain areas of Nepal, Burma, China, Vietnam and Thailand. However, due to active deforestation, the habitat of giant squirrels is rapidly declining.
Three centuries ago, zoologists determined that Ratufa indica unites 4 (according to other sources 5) closely related subspecies, which differ in color and area of residence
Some modern researchers are convinced that there are at least 8 subspecies of ratufa and individual subspecies of the Indian giant squirrel should be classified to species status. Scientific discussions about Ratufa indica varieties have been going on for more than a century.
Giant squirrels lead a predominantly diurnal lifestyle. The animals are most active in the morning and evening hours. During the hot afternoon hours they rest.
These squirrels are comparable in size to a cat - the body length of an adult animal reaches 40-50 cm, while the fluffy tail is about 60 cm long (they are about 2 times larger than our red squirrel). An adult giant squirrel weighs about 2-3 kg.
The multi-colored fur of these rodents looks very impressive - the back of the ratufa is covered with thick fur of creamy beige, dark red or brown. The belly and front legs are usually cream in color, and the head can be brown or beige, however all squirrels of this species have a distinctive white patch between the ears. Females differ from males not so much in appearance as in the presence of mammary glands. The fluffy bicolor tail exceeds the body length of the squirrel and plays an important role as a balancer.
The round ears of giant squirrels are short and protruding and point to the sides. Wide and dexterous paws are armed with powerful claws that help the animal cling to the bark and branches of trees.
Ratufs live in the upper layer of the forest and rarely leave the tree crowns. Giant squirrels perfectly jump from tree to tree, covering a distance of over 6 m in a jump.
Indian squirrels are very cautious animals that, in case of danger, do not flee, but freeze, clinging to a tree trunk.
It is very difficult to spot giant squirrels in the dense crowns of trees. But even in tall trees, squirrels cannot avoid encounters with numerous enemies: leopards and other large cats, martens and birds of prey, and even tree snakes.
Giant squirrels are omnivores; they feed on fruits and flowers, nuts and tree bark, and bird and insect eggs. Ratufs eat in a very funny way - standing on their hind legs, using their front legs to process food, and using their large tail as a counterweight for better balance.
Giant squirrels live either in pairs, remaining faithful to their partner for a long time, or they settle in small groups.
During the mating season, males actively compete for females and engage in serious fights with competitors, chasing them even on the ground.
The reproductive behavior of the wary giant squirrels is poorly understood.
Ratufas build spherical nests from leaves and twigs and strengthen them on thin branches so that predators do not reach the brood.
Indian giant squirrels are known to mate several times a year. The female's pregnancy lasts from 28 to 35 days. There are usually one or two cubs in a litter, but sometimes more than three are born.
The female ratufa is a caring and gentle mother; she cares for her babies until they leave the nest and begin to feed on their own.
It is not known exactly how long ratufas live in nature. In captivity, giant squirrels can live up to 20 years.
With increasing deforestation in this region, the range of this beautiful animal continues to shrink.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the current state of the giant squirrel species population is close to vulnerable.
In 1984, the huge Bhimashnakara Nature Reserve appeared on the territory of the western Indian state of Maharashtra, located on an area of 130 km². When creating it, the Indian authorities set the main goal of preserving the usual habitats of the Indian giant squirrel.
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