Callosciurus pygerythrus (I.Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1833)

Fur Coloration

Irrawaddy squirrels (Callosciurus pygerythrus) show variation in fur color: some individuals are greyish-brown or reddish-brown, while others have grizzled fur. Some individuals have dark-tipped tails and pale patches on their hips.

Size and Weight

Adults measure roughly 20 centimeters from head to body, with a matching tail length of around 20 centimeters, and weigh approximately 45 grams.

Geographical Range

This species is native to Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar, and Nepal. In Myanmar, most populations live west of the Irrawaddy River.

Habitat

Irrawaddy squirrels inhabit a range of environments, including deciduous broad-leaved woodland, coniferous evergreen forests, mixed agricultural areas, secondary growth forests, lowlands, and lower mountainous regions up to around 1500 meters in elevation.

Threats

The species is currently threatened by habitat loss.