Funambulus palmarum (Linnaeus, 1766)

Size and Body Proportion

The palm squirrel, Funambulus palmarum, is about the size of a large chipmunk, with a bushy tail that is slightly shorter than its body.

Dorsal Coloration and Markings

Its back is grizzled grey-brown, marked with three distinct white stripes that run from head to tail; the two outer stripes only extend from the forelegs to the hind legs.

Ventral and Tail Coloration

It has a creamy-white belly, and a tail covered with interspersed long black and white hairs.

Ear Morphology

Its ears are small and triangular.

Juvenile Coloration

Juvenile squirrels have noticeably lighter coloration that darkens progressively as they age.

Albinism Occurrence

Albinism is rare, but has been recorded in this species.

Reproductive Patterns

The Indian palm squirrel displays a range of reproductive behaviors: some individuals have cyclical reproductive activity, while others reproduce continuously.

Gestation and Breeding Period

The species has a gestation period of 34 days, and breeding occurs in grass nests during autumn.

Litter Size

Litters most commonly contain two or three young, with an average litter size of 2.75.

Development Stages

The young are weaned after around 10 weeks, and reach sexual maturity at 9 months.

Adult Weight

Adult individuals weigh 100 grams.

Longevity

Little is known about the longevity of wild individuals, but one captive specimen lived for 5.5 years.