The Black Giant Squirrel
- Distribution: Southeast Asia (India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia)
- Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests, sometimes in plantations
- Diet: Fruits, nuts, seeds, leaves, insects, bird eggs
- Size: Body length 34-47 cm; tail length 41-50 cm
Appearance:
- It has a striking appearance with predominantly black fur, sometimes with a hint of purple or reddish-brown.
- The underparts are typically creamy-white or buff-colored.
- It is notable for its large size, often reaching lengths of up to 45-60 cm (18-24 inches), including its long bushy tail.
Habitat:
- The Black Giant Squirrel inhabits dense tropical forests and rainforests.
- It prefers mature forests with plenty of tall trees for nesting and feeding.
Behavior:
- It is primarily arboreal, spending most of its time in trees.
- The squirrel is known for its agile climbing abilities, aided by its strong limbs and sharp claws.
- It is diurnal (active during the day) and feeds mainly on nuts, fruits, seeds, and occasionally insects.
- Like many squirrels, it plays a role in seed dispersal, aiding in forest regeneration.
Distribution:
- Found in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and parts of Indonesia.
- Its distribution is often tied to the presence of suitable forest habitats.