28 Ratufa indicamales and 1.1 ha for females. This species is preyed upon by
a number of mammals and birds. Researchers have observed
attempts at or successful predation by lion-tailed macaques
(Macaca silenus), leopards (Panthera pardus), martens (Martes),
Forest Eagle Owls (Bubo nipalensis), Black Eagles (Ictinaetus
malayensis), Crested Serpent Eagles (Spilornis cheela), and
Crested Hawk-Eagles (Nisaetus cirrhatus). Birds of prey may
be mobbed by the squirrels, and in areas where aerial preda-
tors are particularly common, the squirrels may rest during
the middle of the day within their nests, which is suggested
to be an antipredator strategy. Litter size is normally one (n
= 2), and gestation length is reported to be 2.5 months (n = 1).
general references: Borges 1990, 1992, 1993, 1998, 2006;
Borges et al. 2006.
Ratufa macroura (Pennant, 1769)
Sri Lankan Giant Squirrel
description: This species of giant squirrel has a black or
blackish crown, with a pale band between the ears separat-
ing the crown from the nape of the neck. The digits are also
black or blackish; and the dorsum of the hands plus the
feet, forearms, and ankles are yellowish. It has small short
ear tufts.
size: Female—HB 338.1 mm (n = 22); T 350.3 mm (n = 9);
Mass 1600.0 g (n = 10).
Male—HB 335.3 mm (n = 21); T 360.5 mm (n = 10); Mass
1610.0 g (n = 5).
Sex not stated—HB 362.0 mm (n = 1).distribution: This species is found in southern India and
Sri Lanka.geographic variation: Three subspecies are recognized.R. m. macroura—central Sri Lanka. It is distinguished by its
black tail with white hair tips, and by a gray band sepa-
rating the black back from the yellowish venter.
R. m. dandolena—southern India and northcentral and
eastern Sri Lanka. This subspecies has a black crown;
the shoulders and dorsal midline are variably black, but
the lower back is brown. It has long pale hairs on the
tail, making the tail appear grayer than in the other
subspecies.
R. m. melanochra—southwestern Sri Lanka. It has a black
back and tail, but it lacks the white hair tips and gray line
separating the back from the yellowish venter.conservation: IUCN status—near threatened. Population
trend—decreasing.Ratufa macroura. Photo courtesy Sudhir Shivaram.