Irrawaddy squirrel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Irrawaddy squirrel |
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_Nagarjun.jpg) |
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| Nagarjun Forest, Kathmandu, Nepal | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Callosciurus
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| Species: |
pygerythrus
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| Subspecies | |
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The Irrawaddy squirrel (Callosciurus pygerythrus), also known as the hoary-bellied Himalayan squirrel, is a type of rodent. Rodents are a group of mammals that includes squirrels, mice, and rats. This squirrel belongs to the Sciuridae family, which is the scientific name for squirrels.
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What Does the Irrawaddy Squirrel Look Like?
Irrawaddy squirrels have fur that can be different colors. Some are greyish-brown, while others are reddish-brown. Some even have a mix of colors, which is called "grizzled." You might also see some with dark tips on their tails and lighter patches on their hips.
From its head to its body, an Irrawaddy squirrel is about 20 centimeters long. Its tail is also about 20 centimeters long, making it almost as long as its body! These squirrels are quite light, weighing around 45 grams.
Where Do Irrawaddy Squirrels Live?
These squirrels are found in several countries in Asia. They live in Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar, and Nepal. In Myanmar, most Irrawaddy squirrels live west of the Irrawaddy River.
They can live in many different kinds of forests. This includes forests with broad-leaved trees that lose their leaves, evergreen forests with pine trees, and even areas where farms are mixed with forests. They can also be found in forests that are growing back after being cut down. You can find them in lowlands and lower mountain areas, up to about 1500 meters high. Sadly, their homes are shrinking, which is a threat to them.
What Do Irrawaddy Squirrels Eat?
Irrawaddy squirrels mostly enjoy a plant-based diet. They munch on nuts, seeds, fruits, and even tree bark. They also eat lichen, which is a type of moss-like plant, and other kinds of vegetation. Sometimes, these squirrels might also eat insects or very small animals.
Gallery
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(Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, West Sikkim, India, 29.10.2015)
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