We hope that each of you, our readers, will enjoy and appreciate this article we present about these 4 Supremely Stunning Squirrels. It was certainly our pleasure to gather the information for you. May it provide you with both education and increased awareness.
Certainly, these few species listed herein represent only a portion of the similar species around the globe. It’s our belief, though, that they serve as excellent representations of the members of this Family. Check out some of our other articles for similar marvels.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Eastern Gray Squirrel Facts
- Leading off this article about 4 Supremely Stunning Squirrels we present you with the marvel of Nature known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel.
- The informative term applied herein serves as the most frequently used common name for this beautiful product of evolution. The adorable mammal does have another, very similar title, though. That’s the shorter term of the gray squirrel.
- Among scientific professionals, however, it’s generally referred to by its formal title. Unfortunately, that technical moniker remains somewhat difficult for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because it bears the official name of the Sciurus carolinensis.
- The rodent received that tongue-twisting appelation due to the efforts of the German naturalist, Johann Friedrich Gmelin. He accomplished the first acknowledgement of the animal as a separate and distinct species. He managed that deed in 1788.
- No matter which of these monikers one chooses to use, though, it remains an interesting fauna. Despite its small stature, it plays a pivotal role in its region. In fact, the creature represents perhaps the most important regenerator of forests in its range.
- Its therefore fortunate that the Eastern Gray Squirrel seems to be maintaining a population base that’s both stable and sufficient. That pleasant situation also appears to hold true throughout its territory. Accordingly, the IUCN lists it as Least Concern.
- The marvel of Nature nonetheless faces some potential threats to its contiued existence as a species. Most of those, though, mirror the situation of many species. It faces the possible dangers of habitat degradation and loss, and, of course, that of climate change.
Eastern Gray Squirrel Physical Description
The remarkable Eastern Gray Squirrel generally captures the attention and appreciation of those who encounter it. The animal does so for various reasons, of course. Sheer physical measurements, however, rarely factor into the general respect it’s usually accorded.
In that regard, it follows the pattern established by the majority of its kin around the world. That’s true since it displays no noticeable degree of the phsyiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. The genders, therefore, can be hard for the layperson distinguish simply.
Individuals of both sexes of the animal attain a body length that averages between 9.1 – 11.8 in (23 – 30 cm). The tail, however, grows comparatively long in relation to body size. This appendage typically reaches lengths equaling between 7.5 – 9.8 in (19 – 25 cm).
Weights remain surprisingly light, again among both genders. Mature adults usually reach a mass of between 14 – 21 oz (0.4 – 0.6 kg). Exceptional specimens do occur, of course. These, though, rarely exced either of these categories by more than a minor amount.
In overall appearance, likewise, both genders of the Eastern Gray Squirrel present the same overall patterns. Like all known squirrels, it develops four toes on its front feet, but five on the hind feet. Intriguingly, its teeth commonly grow throughout the life of the rodent.
It’s the coloring of the gorgeous creature that stands out the most, though. The fur usully presents a predominantly light gray shade. Some, however, present a light brown. Its underside shows an off-white hue. Also gray, the tail typically possesses a dense, fluffy coat.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Rodentia
- Family: Sciuridae
- Genus: Sciurius
- Species: S. carolenensis
Eastern Gray Squirrel Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The distinctive Eastern Gray Squirrel evolved as native to a moderate portion of the globe. The precise location of that zone of habitation likely won’t surprise many people, though. That’s true since it developed as endemic to a section of the continent of North America.
Its very name provides a clue into which portion of that greater area it lives, too. As that indicates, the beautiful mammal mainly lives in the general eastern part. Some do live in the midwest, however. It lives from southeast Canada, to Florida and Texas, in the United States.
Though quite adaptible, the impresive animal does show decided preferences in its choice of habitat. The great majority of specimens prefer to make their home in large areas of dense, mature woodland ecosystems. These usually comprise mostly deciduous trees.
Although it does adapt, it nonetheless shows another strong preference for certain varieties of trees. The forests where it makes its home generally contain a large percentage of hickory and oak trees. These regions, can, though, sometimes include larger parks and yards.
Like its relatives, the Eastern Gray Squirrel evolved as herbivorous in nature. Its diet covers a wide range of food sources. These include such things as flowers, tree buds and bark, berries, and seeds. It does show a strong preference for various nuts, which it often saves for later.
It developed as a primarily solitary species. The creature builds its nest in the forks of trees, and the male and female generally only share a nest during breeding season or exceptionally cold periods. It will also make use of dens in trees vacated by former occupants.
Indian Giant Squirrel
Indian Giant Squirrel Facts
- Next up among our choices for inclusion in this compilation of 4 Supremely Stunning Squirrel comes the breathtaking animal named the Indian Giant Squirrel.
- Clearly, the amazing animal obviously represents an extremely large variety of tree squirrel. It also sometimes goes by the alternate common name of the Malabar Giant Squirrel. Its scientific name, though, remains the hard to pronounce Ratufa indica.
- This magnificent creature owes its technical name to the German naturalist, Johann Christian Polycarp Erxleben. That’s due to the fact that he made the first formal recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. This he did in the year 1777.
- Scientists also presently acknowledge four different subspecies of the mammal. Amazingly, all of these exist on the same continent as the primary species. Though not unknown, such close association among species and subspecies remains uncommon.
- It also boasts a status that not many species can make. Within its endemic range, the animal appears to exist in fairly large numbers. Due to this pleasantly surprising fact, the IUCN currently lists the stunning animal as a Species of Least Concern.
- Unlike most related species, this stunning creature actually evolved as quite vocal. This represents yet another manner in which the Indian Giant Squirrel distinguishes itself. It also produces different sounds for such things as warnings, mating, and territorial calls.
Indian Giant Squirrel Physical Description
The Indian Giant Squirrel impresses the viewer due to more than just its incredible appearance. That’s because it also qualifies as a true giant of its kind. Somewhat surprisingly, though, it displays no noticeable degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism.
Mature adults of both genders therefore attain the same general size. That’s an average body length of about 14 in (35.5 cm). The tail then adds another 24 in (61 cm). Despite its size, it does not attain a great weight. Mature adults also typically average about 4.4 lb (2 kg).
Its size alone does not make this impressive species stand out to observers. It generally presents a stunning pattern of natural coloring. This holds true due to the amazing fact that it generally presents a two-toned, and sometimes even a three-toned, color pattern.
The amazing coloring of the Indian Giant Squirrel does not stop there. Its exact pattern and combinations of colors also varies between individuals. These, though, most commonly consist of shades of tan, buff, rust, brown, and even, on rare occasions, a creamy-beige.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Rodentia
- Family: Sciuridae
- Genus: Ratufa
- Species: R. indica
Indian Giant Squirrel Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Most unfortunately, the almost kaleidoscopic Indian Giant Squirrel evolved as endemic to a comparatively limited section of the globe. More precisely, the fabulous rodent inhabits a specific portion of Asia. That’s the region now known as the country of India.
More specifically, this range consists of the peninsular part of the country. That range is restricted, though, only extending as far north as the Madhya Pradesh. There, however, the wonder of Nature thankfully evolved a highly helpful versatility in regards to its habitat.
That’s because the visually breathtaking animal actually thrives in several different habitat types within that area. Due to this, it appears in evergreen forests, deciduous forests, and mixed forests, as well. This adaptability also sets it apart from related species.
This marvel of evolution also spends the vast majority of its time in the upper canopy of its region. In point of fact, the living kaleidoscope rarely ever descends form this location. Instead, it moves from tree to tree with great leaps, that can be as much as 20 ft (6 m).
Some of the subspecies of the creature evolved as omnivorous in nature. The Indian Giant Squirrel itself, however, has a herbivorous diet. It mainly feeds on various nuts, flowers, fruit, and tree bark. In turn, it itself mainly falls prey to leopards and birds of prey.
Grizzled Giant Squirrel
Grizzled Giant Squirrel Facts
- Appearing next in this gathering of 4 Supremely Stunning Squirrels is the remarkable rodent known as the Grizzled Giant Squirrel.
- This astounding animal most frequently goes by the descriptive common name due to its size and appearance. That’s not its only generally used moniker, though. The intriguing animal also goes by the informative term of the Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel.
- Among members of the scientific community, however, it’s better known by its formal name. That’s the somewhat hard to pronounce term of Ratufa macroura. Regardless of which term one chooses to use, though, the animal represents a true marvel of Nature.
- It received its technical name due to the efforts of the respected Welsh naturalist, Thomas Pennant. He accomplished the first recorded recognition of the animal as a separate and distinct species. This scientifically noteworthy event took place in 1769.
- It distinguishes itself from its close relatives in an interesting manner. That’s true due to a pattern of behavior. All known related species balance themselves using their tails. This species, however, takes a different approach. It uses its hind feet for this purpose.
- Unfortunately, the Grizzled Giant Squirrel appears to have a relatively small population base. This also seems to be declining. The IUCN therefore presently lists the mammal as Near Threatened. That status appears on the organization’s published Red List.
- The remarkable creature faces several threats to its continued existence as a species. Like many species, most of these stem from the actions of man. They include habitat degradation and outright loss. Its greatest, though, likely comes from climate change.
Grizzled Giant Squirrel Physical Description
The aptly-named Grizzled Giant Squirrel quickly fascinates all those fortunate enough to encounter it. The animal does so for several reasons, as well. Although physical size isn’t the only one of these factors, its very name implies that this nevertheless ranks among them.
Although it does qualify as a relative giant of its kind, it’s actually the smallest of the so-called giant squirrels in its part of the globe. The animal also displays a moderate degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism. In its case this manifests in terms on size.
More specifically, male of the species attain a somewhat greater overall average size. The difference remains slight, however. In general, individuals reach an average body length ranging from 10 -18 in (25 – 45 cm). Its tail, though, typically grows to the same length!
The weight remains quite light, and nearly the same among both genders. Like its many genetic cousins, it displays a generally slendere body shape. The lengthy tail also typically manifests a fluffy appearance. It also boasts small rounded ears, with slightly pointed tufts.
The Grizzled Giant Squirrel additionally evolved comparatively broad hands, evolved for gripping. Both these limbs and the legs further have relatively large, powerful claws. This marvelous variety of squirrel also evolved dark brown eyes, and possesses excellent vision.
The rodent additionally displays a striking pattern of colors. The common name actually derives from the appearance of the tail. This shows a combination of brownish-gray with white highlights. The rest of the body presents combinations of brown, red, gray, and black.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Rodentia
- Family: Sciuridae
- Genus: Ratufa
- Species: R. macroura
Grizzled Giant Squirrel Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Regrettably, the stunning Grizzled Giant Squirrel inhabits a very restricted range. That zone of habitation does happen to fall within a region of the world well known for its marvels of flora and fauna, though. That’s because the animal lives in a tiny portion of southern Asia.
Its population remains extremely low, though. The majority of these individuals make their home in two provinces of Sri Lanka, and two staes in southern India. Thankfully, a large percentage of its numbers appear in sanctuaries, such as the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
It lives an almost entirely arboreal existence. Among the canopy of its home, the animal’s extremely agile. They often leap as much as 19.7 ft (6 m) between trees. Individuals typically only descend to the ground to flee predators, combat males for territory, or pursue females.
Unlike many similar species, this animal is primarily active during the day. It also demonstrates decided preferences for type of forests it lives in. The creature appears almost exclusively in areas of tropical or subtropical forests. These almost must be relatively dry.
The Grizzled Giant Squirrel does follow the dietary pattern common to its kind, though. Due to that, it’s an almost entirely herbivorous species. Its principal diet consists of a wide variety of nuts, fruit, and bark. It does, however, consume small quantities of insects and bird eggs.
It’s also an opportunistic animal by nature. Most specimens make use of naturally occuring holes in tree trunks for shelter. Both these and the dense canopy provides shelter from its own predators. Though comparatively few, some larger species of bird prey upon it.
Northern Flying Squirrel
Northern Flying Squirrel Facts
- Closing out this compendium of 4 Supremely Stunning Squirrels we give you the aerial acrobat named the Northern Flying Squirrel.
- This small mammal most frequently goes by the somewhat informative common name for wholly understandable reasons. It also represents one of only three members of its genus, Glaucomys, to make its home in what’s now known as the New World.
- The intriguing creature does have another name by which it’s known, though. That’s because, like all species, it also holds a technical name. Fortunately, this one’s relatively simple to pronounce, as such things go. It’s formally named the Glaucomys sabrinus.
- It received that unique moniker due to the efforts of the respected English zoologist and botanist, George Kearsley Shaw. He accomplished the first official recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. This scientifically noteworthy action occured in 1801.
- The surprising animal also remains noteworthy for another, astonishing fact. That’s due to the fact that researchers presently recognize a total of 24 subspecies of this small marvel of Nature! This fact alone distinguishes it from the other members of its Order.
- For the moment, the Northern Flying Squirrel appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both sizable and stable. This fact also seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its range. The IUCN, therefore, now lists it as Least Concern on its Red List.
- The remarkable animal nevertheless does face some potential threats to its existence. These, however, consist of the same one’s that most species presently face. These include habitat degradation and outright loss, and, of course, climate change.
Northern Flying Squirrel Physical Description
The remarkable Northern Flying Squirrel easily impresses those fortunate to encounter one. It does so, however, for reasons other than sheer size. Although it’s certainly a lovely animal, it’s not just its appearance that distinguishes it. That’s due to other characteristics.
Unlike many animals, yet in keeping with the pattern established by other squirrels, this creature displays no noticeable degree of sexual dimorphism. Distinguishing the genders of specific individuals encountered therefore remains quite difficult for the casual observor.
In terms of physical size, though, it’s somewhat smaller than many of its genetic cousins. Individuals attain an average overall length of 9.8 – 14.6 in (25 – 37 cm). That, however, includes the tail as well. This part of the body often comprises roughly half its length.
The body of the rodent develops as slim and elongated. Most specimens reach an average body weight of only 2.6 – 4.9 oz (75 – 140 gms). Exceptional specimens occur, of course. Even these, though, rarely exceed these measurements by more than a small fraction.
It also displays several adaptations useful for its lifestyle. This includes comparatively large, black eyes. It also has the ability to rotate its hind feet, allowing it to climb down trees head first. Its fleshy membrane, however, remains its most noticeable physical feature.
In coloring, the Northern Flying Squirrel presents a pattern of shades of light brown on the upper body. Yet, it also presents as gray on the flanks of its body. The underside, though, typically manifests a whitish shade. Its tail develops as fluffy, yet somewhat flattened.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Rodentia
- Family: Sciuridae
- Genus: Glaucomys
- Species: G. sabrinus
Northern Flying Squirrel Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The fabulous Northern Flying Squirrel evolved as native to a part of the globe well known for its abundance of wildlife. That’s due to the fact that the amazing rodent lives on the continent of North America. There, though, its population remains somewhat disjointed.
As its name implies, the majority of its numbers appear in the northern part of the continent. More specifically, most of its population lives in Canada. It also appears as far north as the state of Alaska, though. The small wonder of Nature also appears in the United States.
In that country, it’s scattered, though. To the west, it’s seen in California and Colorado. From there, it’s also seen to the northeast in Wisconsin and Michigan. In the east, the animal also lives in regions of Tennessee and North Carolina, in the Appalachian Mountains.
In each of these regions, however, it displays identical habitat preferences. Populations most often appear in areas dominated by conifers. Some do, though, make their homes in regions of deciduous or mixed forests. It also prefers dense concentrations of trees, as well.
The Northern Flying Squirrel evolved as a nocturnal animal. It’s also primarily arboreal in nature. On the ground, it’s relatively clumsy. Among the trees, though, it glides from limb to limb gracefully. Its main predators include hawks, owls, martens, and coyotes, among others.
Its diet remains typical of its kind. As a herbivore, it consumes a wide variety of locally available food. This typically includes such staples as nuts, fungi, acorns, lichens, fruits, buds, and tree sap. It does, however, occasionally supplement this with insects and bird eggs.
5 Supremely Stunning Squirrels
We hope that each of you enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article we’ve written about these 4 Supremely Stunning Squirrels. It’s also our hope that doing so has left you with either a new or renewed appreciation for such wonders of Nature.
Unfortunately, however, many of their kindred around the world now find themselves facing strong threats to their continued existence as a species. Many of those dangers, in fact, stem from the actions of mankind. We must do all we can to protect and preserve them all.
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