black giant squirrel

And the largest known squirrel in the world title goes to… the black giant squirrel. These large critters take up residence in the subtropical and tropical coniferous and broadleaf forests of Bhutan, northern Bangladesh, eastern Nepal, northeast India, southern China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and western Indonesia. Due to hunting and habitat loss, the black giant squirrel is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

First the Stats… Scientific name: Ratufa bicolor Weight: Up to 3.5 lbs. Length: Up to 13 inches, plus a 17 inch long tail Lifespan: Up to 18 years

Now on to the Facts! 1.) These huge squirrels are diurnal (active during the day).

2.) Like pretty much all other squirrels, they are arboreal (spend most of their lives in trees). They will occasionally venture to the ground to feed on fallen seeds and fruit.

3.) They typically stay in their forest home and seldom ever venture into towns or farms.

4.) Giant squirrels are solitary and only congregate in small groups during the mating season.

5.) Due to the lack of need, they do not hibernate .

But wait, there’s more on the black giant squirrel! 6.) Their diet consists of pine cones, seeds, fruits, and leaves

7.) Not much is known of their breeding habits. It is assumed that they breed anywhere from March – August.

Did you know…? During the last 10 years, these squirrels have seen a drop in numbers of 30%. This is due to timber harvesting, human settlements, agriculture, and over-hunting for meat.

8.) Females give birth to 1 – 2 young in a drey (nest).

9.) Gestation (pregnancy) lasts about 35 days.

10.) Mom nurses her young for up to 5 weeks.

Now a Short Black Giant Squirrel Video!

Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel . Videos added frequently!

Want to suggest a critter for me to write about? Let me know here .

Learn more about all kinds of cool critters, right here ! toolTips('.classtoolTips5','

This is a state of metabolic depression and inactivity in endothermic (warm blooded) creatures. It is displayed as a reduced heartbeat (by up to 95%), low metabolic rate, slow breathing, and low body temperature. Critters that hibernate typically prepare for it by building up an abundance of body fat during late summer and autumn that helps provide them with energy throughout the winter months. There are 2 types of hibernation : facultative & obligate hibernation. Facultatives hibernate when it’s too cold and food supply has been reduced. Obligates are able to sleep despite access to food and comfortable temperatures. A facultative hibernator would be the black-tailed prairie dog . A few obligate hibernators are: ground squirrels , mouse lemurs , and butterflies .'); toolTips('.classtoolTips14','

Gestation is the process of carrying or being carried in the womb between conception and birth. In other words, pregnancy.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips28','

Stemming from the Latin word arboreus, which means "pertaining to trees", arboreal creatures spend all or most of their lives in or around trees and tall shrubs. They seldom venture to the ground, if at all.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips28','

Stemming from the Latin word arboreus, which means "pertaining to trees", arboreal creatures spend all or most of their lives in or around trees and tall shrubs. They seldom venture to the ground, if at all.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips31','

An animal that falls into this category is active during the day. Animals that fit this description typically use sight for hunting prey. Others, like turtles , are active during the day as they need the sun\'s rays to aid in the production of vitamin D, which is needed to help process calcium and prevent metabolic bone disease. Hummingbirds rely on the sun as most of the nectar they gather comes from flowers that are open during the day. Cows , dogs , elephants , butterflies , and squirrels , for example, are diurnal.');

black giant squirrel

The Black Giant Squirrel