The Indian Palm Squirrel
- Distribution: India, Sri Lanka
- Habitat: Urban areas, forests, gardens
- Diet: Fruits, nuts, seeds, insects, small vertebrates
- Size: Approximately 20 cm (including tail)
Appearance
- Size: They are small, with adults typically measuring about 20 cm (including the tail).
- Color: They have a brownish-gray body with three distinctive white stripes running from head to tail.
- Tail: The tail is bushy and slightly flattened.
Habitat
- Range: They are found throughout the Indian subcontinent, particularly in urban areas, forests, and gardens.
- Nesting: They build nests, called dreys, in trees or sometimes in buildings.
Behavior
- Activity: They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day.
- Diet: Their diet primarily consists of fruits, nuts, seeds, and sometimes insects and small vertebrates.
- Communication: They communicate through vocalizations and tail movements, often seen flicking their tails when threatened.
Interaction with Humans
- Cultural Significance: They are often considered sacred in some parts of India and associated with the Hindu god Hanuman.
- Pest Status: In some areas, they can be considered pests due to their tendency to enter homes and feed on stored food.