FIVESTRIPED PALM SQUIRREL

 FIVESTRIPED PALM SQUIRREL



 Local name : Khiskoli 

Physical measurements & life cycle: 

Length : 13-15 cm (tail: 15 cm). 

Gestation : 40-50 days  

Litter size : 2-3



 Description 

Generally, this squirrel has five pale stripes on its back that can be seen up to the middle portion of the tail. Grey with whitish hairs on body constitutes its overall appearance. :

Food

Herbivorous. It consumes grains, fruits, tender leaves, tender bark etc. 

Distribution 

All over the state. :

Habitat 

Inhabits human settlements. Also occurs near forest areas, grassland, wastelands, gardens, habitations etc. 

Behaviour

This squirrel is very agile, active and noisy (produces Behaviour repeated shrills). It builds untidy nests (of fibers, grass, plastic etc.) on trees.

 Signs of   presence

Nests on trees, repeated "tik-tik" calls and shrill.


The Fivestriped squirrel is one of the commonest and most familiar of all Indian wild animals. Unlike the other species of striped squirrel (i.e. Threestriped palm squirrel), the under-side of its tail lacks reddish line running down the center.


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