Ratufa macroura (Pennant, 1769)

Common Name and Taxonomic Baseline

Ratufa macroura (Pennant, 1769), also known as the giant grizzled squirrel, is the smallest giant squirrel species found in the Indian subcontinent.

Body Size Measurements

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).

External Head Features

It has small rounded ears that have pointed tufts.

Home Range Size

A single individual’s home range falls between 1,970 and 6,110 m² (21,200–65,800 ft²).

Subspecies Variation Overview

Two described subspecies differ in their coloration.

Ratufa macroura dandolena 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.

Ratufa macroura melamochra Coloration

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.

Shared Subspecies Trait

Both subspecies have pinkish snouts.

Sensory Capabilities

This species has good vision, which helps it detect predators, but its sense of hearing is relatively poor.

Characteristic Loud Call

Its characteristic call is a staccato, loud repeated shrill cackle, which is most often uttered during the morning and evening.

Close-Range Communication Call

It also uses a low 'churr' call to communicate with nearby members of its group.

Forepaw Structure

The forepaws are normally pentadactylous, with four fully developed digits and a rudimentary thumb.

Finger Pad Adaptations

The fingers have large broad soft pads; the inner pad is expanded to improve gripping when moving through tree branches.

Foot and Claw Structure

The feet also have soft pads, and both the fore and hind limbs have long, sharp claws.

Indian Distribution Records

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.

Easternmost Subspecies Population

The easternmost population of Ratufa macroura dandolena was discovered in Pakkamalai Reserve Forest, in eastern Tamil Nadu.

Sanctuary Location Detail

The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Shenbagathoppu, Srivilliputtur, Tamil Nadu, India.