Nilgiri striped squirrel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nilgiri striped squirrel |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Funambulus
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| Species: |
sublineatus
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| Subspecies | |
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See text |
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| Synonyms | |
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Sciurus delesserti Gervais, 1841 |
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The Nilgiri striped squirrel (Funambulus sublineatus) is a tiny squirrel that lives in the rainforests of southern India. It is a threatened animal, which means its population is getting smaller and it needs protection. You can find this squirrel in places like the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Mountains.
This squirrel is one of the smallest in its group, weighing only about 40 grams. That's like the weight of a small candy bar!
About the Nilgiri Striped Squirrel
The Nilgiri striped squirrel is a very small rodent. It belongs to the squirrel family, known as Sciuridae. These little creatures are known for their quick movements and striped fur.
They live in humid, wet forests. These forests are found in the Western Ghats mountain range and the Nilgiri hills in India. This area also includes places around Kodaikanal.
Where It Lives
The Nilgiri striped squirrel is found only in India. It lives in the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri hills. These areas are known for their thick, wet forests.
Scientists are still learning a lot about this tiny squirrel. It is considered an endemic mammal to India. This means it naturally lives only in this part of the world.
How It Was Named
The Nilgiri striped squirrel was first described by scientists in 1838. For a while, scientists thought it was the same species as a similar squirrel found in Sri Lanka. That squirrel is called the dusky striped squirrel (Funambulus obscurus).
However, in 2012, new studies showed that the Nilgiri striped squirrel and the Sri Lankan squirrel are actually quite different. Because of this, they are now recognized as two separate species. This change means the Nilgiri striped squirrel is unique to India.
