About Ratufa macroura (Pennant, 1769)
Ratufa macroura (Pennant, 1769), also known as the giant grizzled squirrel, is the smallest giant squirrel species found in the Indian subcontinent. Its head and body length ranges from 25 to 45 cm (10–18 in), and its tail is roughly the same length or longer, giving an overall total body length of 50 to 90 cm (20–35 in). It has small rounded ears that have pointed tufts. A single individual’s home range falls between 1,970 and 6,110 m² (21,200–65,800 ft²). Two described subspecies differ in their coloration. The subspecies Ratufa macroura dandolena has brown dorsal fur grizzled with white, a light brownish cream ventral surface, white-frosted tail fur, and black forehead and feet. The subspecies Ratufa macroura melamochra has jet black upper parts, which contrast with its brownish cream to orange yellow ventral surface, and it has black-frosted tail fur. Both subspecies have pinkish snouts. This species has good vision, which helps it detect predators, but its sense of hearing is relatively poor. Its characteristic call is a staccato, loud repeated shrill cackle, which is most often uttered during the morning and evening. It also uses a low 'churr' call to communicate with nearby members of its group. The forepaws are normally pentadactylous, with four fully developed digits and a rudimentary thumb. The fingers have large broad soft pads; the inner pad is expanded to improve gripping when moving through tree branches. The feet also have soft pads, and both the fore and hind limbs have long, sharp claws. In India, R. macroura has been recorded in the 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. The easternmost population of Ratufa macroura dandolena was discovered in Pakkamalai Reserve Forest, in eastern Tamil Nadu. The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Shenbagathoppu, Srivilliputtur, Tamil Nadu, India.
