Geographical distribution : Funambulus has world-wide distribution. It is found on all continents and islands. Eocene to Recent.
Habit and habitat: It lives on trees, ground and is a fast runner. It feeds on fruits and seeds. It builds a nest of twigs and leaves. It is diurnal.
Comments:
1. Commonly called as squirrel and in Hindi Gilahari.
2. Body contains three white and grey stripes on the dorsal side, absent on the neck. Body divisible into head, neck, trunk or back, chest, abdomen and tail.
3. Ventral side and limbs covered by small grey hairs.
4. Head contains snout with mustaches nostrils, large eyes and well developed
pinnae.
5. Forelimbs and hind limbs well developed with clawed toes. Tail elongated and bushy.
6. Incisors exposed chisel-like, rootless, grow continuously. Gap between incisors and cheek teeth, canine absent and upper and lower cheek teeth about equal size. Palate narrow. Elbow joint rotates.
7. Squirrels are also used for experimental purposes. It is largely used in cancerous studies.
8. Squirrels destroy fruit crops.
Source:
1. Practical Zoology Vertebrates by S.S.Lal. 2. A Manual of Practical Zoology Chordates by Dr. P.S. Verma.
