Funambulus tristriatus 165distribution: This species occurs in southwestern India
and central Sri Lanka.
geographic variation: Two subspecies are recognized.
F. s. sublineatus—India. This form has narrower (3–5 mm)
dark stripes between the pale midventral and lateral dor-
sal stripes.
F. s. obscurus—Sri Lanka. This subspecies has broader (6–
8 mm) chestnut brown stripes.
conservation: IUCN status—vulnerable. Population
trend—decreasing.
habitat: In southern India, near the Palni Mountains, this
species occurs above the altitudinal range of F. palmarum, at
elevations of 1372–2134 m. In Sri Lanka it is found in the
jungles of the hills, from nearly the top of the mountains
down to 610–762 m; in the southwestern part of the island it
occurs in the jungles of the wet hilly country, almost down
to the sea.
natural history: In India, the dusky palm squirrel is an
inhabitant of the scrub level of the forest, up to 2134 m in
elevation, where it is preyed upon by the green viper (Tr i-
meresurus gramineus).general references: Phillips 1980; Prater 1965; Rajamani
et al. 2008a.Funambulus tristriatus
(Waterhouse, 1837)
Jungle Palm Squirreldescription: The jungle palm squirrel is the largest spe-
cies of Funambulus. It is dark, with three pale buff y dorsal
stripes, a pale venter, and a red midventral line on the tail.size: Female—HB 158.6 mm (n = 7); T 139.0 mm (n = 10).
Male—HB 159.8 mm (n = 10); T 143.4 mm (n = 10).
Sex not stated—HB 190.5 mm (n = 1); Mass 139.0 g (n = 1).distribution: This species is found on the west coast of
India, from below 20° N latitude to the southern tip.geographic variation: Two subspecies are recognized.F. t. tristriatus—south of 12° N latitude. This form has nar-
rower and duller stripes.
F. t. numarius—north of 12° N latitude. This form has broader
and brighter stripes.Funambulus sublineatus. Photo courtesy Rajith Dissanayake.