Striped ground squirrel. Squirrel Breeds What Squirrels Eat
Caucasian squirrel
It bears a strong resemblance to the common squirrel. The only difference between them is the short ears without tassels at the tips, which the first species possesses. If we compare their fur, then in the Caucasian squirrel the pile of the coat is shorter and coarser, due to which the body of this animal seems more slender.
The size of the Caucasian squirrel does not exceed 26 centimeters, and the length of the tail is in the range of 17-19 centimeters.
This type of squirrel has a stable fur color that does not change either in summer or in winter. The back of the animal is brownish-gray, and the belly of the Caucasian squirrel is yellowish-orange. The front part of its head up to the level of the eyes has a reddish-brown or reddish color, but the back part of the head is painted several tones darker.
The sides of the muzzle of this squirrel, as well as the sides of the neck and cheeks, have a light reddish tint. The throat of the Caucasian squirrel differs in color from the neck, it is lighter. The tail of the animal from the sides and top is dark reddish shades, but the bottom and middle part of the tail are yellowish - gray color. The tip of the tail is adorned with long blackish-brown hair.
inhabits this species squirrels in the forest zones of Transcaucasia. The same subspecies and close to it is found in Syria, Asia Minor and some regions of Iran.
For living, she prefers beech forests and tries to avoid coniferous plantations. Just like the common squirrel, the Caucasian squirrel is diurnal. This is a rather lively animal that is able to move along tree trunks or jump from branch to branch throughout the day.
The diet of this animal consists of nuts, seeds and bones of various shrub and tree fruits, but beech nuts became the basis of the Caucasian squirrel's diet. Fleshy fruits, such as ripe apricots and many others of this type, do not attract squirrels, tearing off the pulp, the animal deftly extracts only the contents of the bone. In addition, the Caucasian squirrel can eat chicks and bird eggs, as well as insects.
The Caucasian squirrel, like many other species, stocks up for the winter. She stocks up on nuts and seeds. This animal does not build external nests, but prefers to be content with hollows of deciduous trees (chestnut, Walnut, linden, elm, maple, etc.).
Caucasian squirrels live in pairs. Mating of these animals occurs at the end last month winter and early spring. In April, the female already brings offspring in the amount of 3-7 cubs
Baby squirrel (lat. Sciurillus pusillus)
It is a South American squirrel species, the only representative of the genus Sciurillus, the squirrel family.
Description.
The tiny squirrel is the smallest species of squirrel, its body length with its head is only 10 cm, and its tail reaches 11 cm in length. An adult weighs from 30 to 50 g. The coat is grayish-gray all over the body, on the belly the color is paler, but not contrasting. The head is slightly reddish, with distinct white markings behind the ears, which are more rounded than most other members of the squirrel family. The limbs are sharp, the front ones are longer, which allows them to more dexterously climb tree trunks.
Distribution and habitat.
The baby squirrel lives in at least four remote regions located in the northern part of South America, French Guiana, Surenam, central Brazil, northern Peru, and southern Colombia. In these regions, they inhabited the lowland rainforests.
Behavior.
Baby squirrels are diurnal and spend the day in the forest canopy, usually about 9 m above the ground. They build their nests in abandoned tree termite nests. They feed on tree bark, mainly from the genus Parkia, nuts and fruits. Their population density is low, not exceeding three individuals per square kilometer, although groups with more than one adult and juveniles have been noted in areas with a local concentration of food.
Squirrels-crumbs move quite quickly through the trees, and are very careful, in case of danger they give an alarm signal. Their flight consists of one or two baby squirrels, they are born in June.
Bicolor squirrel (lat. Ratufa bicolor)
It is a representative of the genus of giant squirrels of the squirrel family, living in the forests of Northern Bangladesh, Eastern Nepal, Bhutan, Southern China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Western Indonesia.
Description.
The length of the body and head ranges from 35 to 58 cm, and the tail reaches 60 cm in length. The upper part of the head, ears, back and tail are dark brown to black in color, while the lower part of the body is dark yellowish.
Spreading.
The bicolor squirrel lives in a variety of bioregions, which allows you to meet representatives of this species in different forests. It is found at altitudes up to 1400 m above sea level, in rather inaccessible areas. However, in recent decades, the habitat of the two-colored squirrel has been steadily developed by humans, logging and agriculture, and under the influence of hunting, the population of this species has decreased by 30% over the past ten years. It is worth noting that in some places this species is under the protection of the law prohibiting hunting.
In South Asia, bicolor squirrels live in tropical and subtropical conifers and widely deciduous forests. In Southeast Asia, they live in tropical broadleaf evergreen forests, and are rarely found in coniferous forests. In the tropical forests of the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia, the bicolor squirrel population is not as large as in other regions. This is partly due to quite a lot of competition with other species of arboreal animals (especially primates) for food.
Behavior.
The two-colored squirrel is diurnal and lives in trees, but sometimes descends to the ground in search of food. It rarely enters agricultural plantations or human settlements, preferring the wild forest.
The diet of the bicolor squirrel consists of seeds, pine, fruits and leaves. They lead a solitary life, and have a litter of 1 to 2 baby squirrels, which are born in a hollow or nest, often located inside the hollow space of a tree.
common squirrel
Belongs to the squirrel family, the order of rodents and the genus of squirrels. This species of squirrel belongs to the forest inhabitants, they are perfectly adapted to life on trees in areas with a cold and temperate climate.
The body length of an ordinary squirrel ranges from 16 to 28 centimeters, and its weight is no more than one kilogram. The tail of an ordinary squirrel can be called the main attraction - it is unusually light, long and wide. The length of the tail does not exceed a thirty-centimeter mark and is almost equal to the body of the squirrel. With the help of the tail, the squirrel is able to perform incredible jumps that can reach up to 15 meters (from top to bottom diagonally or from tree to tree).
The coat color of this species of squirrel depends entirely on the geographical habitat, as well as on the season of the year. In summer and winter, the belly of the common squirrel is white, and in autumn and spring it begins to shed.
Ordinary squirrels feed on pine nuts and cone seeds. Plus, squirrels love to eat. various mushrooms and berries, fruits and flower buds. They will not refuse from beetles, butterflies and various insects that sit on a tree next to their housing. They can visit bird nests, eat chicks or drink eggs.
In winter, squirrels do not have problems with food, because in addition to their own reserves, they are able to find food even deep under the snow, because they have an excellent sense of smell.
The nature of the common squirrel is rather cocky, it can easily win a place for itself, for example, take a magpie's nest. A real find for squirrels are the old nests of crows. She will only make small changes to them, add a roof and be able to live in peace. If such an opportunity does not present itself, then the squirrel can independently weave an excellent house of twigs in a tree trunk at a height of 5 to 14 meters.
AT cold period time, squirrels prefer to hide in hollows that have been hollowed out by a woodpecker.
An ordinary squirrel is familiar to everyone and everyone, and having met a squirrel person, it can “click” for a long time and indignantly, but not in the winter, because it feels the beginning of the hunting season. During this period of time, she hides among the needles and can be seen very rarely.
In summer, the common squirrel, as a rule, is red, less often brown or completely black (some regions of Siberia). In winter, the squirrel changes its coat to a lighter one (brown with a grayish-silver sheen).
Western gray squirrel (lat. Sciurus griseus)
It is a representative of the squirrel genus, the squirrel family, living along the west coast of the United States and Canada. In some places, this species is also known as the silver gray squirrel.
Description.
Western gray squirrels are shy, tend to hide in trees, and alert their fellows to danger by making hoarse noises. The weight of an adult varies from 0.4 to 1 kg, and the length, including the tail, is from 45 to 60 cm. They are the largest representatives of the squirrel genus in the western United States. The fur on the back is silver-gray, and on the belly is white. Black spots may be present on the tail. The ears are large, but without tassels. In winter, the back of the ears takes on a reddish-brown tint. The tail is long and fluffy. Western gray squirrels shed completely in spring, and in autumn the fur is not renewed only on the tail.
behavior and diet.
The western gray squirrel is a forest dweller. They mostly prefer to move through the trees, although they periodically descend to the ground to search for food. They are diurnal and feed mainly on seeds and nuts, while their diet also includes berries, mushrooms and insects. Pine nuts and acorns play a big role in their nutrition as they are rich in oils and contain moderate amount carbohydrates, which allows body fat stores. As a rule, they feed in the morning and late in the evening. During periods of abundant food, western gray squirrels make many food caches. In winter, squirrels are less active, but still do not hibernate. The western gray squirrel is threatened by predators such as bobcats, hawks, eagles, mountain lions, coyotes, cats, and humans.
Western gray squirrels build their nests in trees from sticks and leaves wrapped in long, straight grass. These nests are of two types. First, large, round, covered nests, intended for wintering, birth and rearing of young. The second, designed for seasonal or temporary use, they are simpler and not as spacious. The nest varies in size from 43 to 91 cm in diameter and is usually found in the upper third of the tree. Young or traveling squirrels sleep on tree branches if weather permits.
Indian giant squirrel (lat. Ratufa indica)
It is a large tree squirrel from the genus of giant squirrel squirrels native to India.
Description.
The Indian giant squirrel has two colors. The upper part of the body is dark brown, and the belly and forelegs are beige, tan or cream, the head may be brown or beige, there is a distinctive White spot. The length of the body, together with the head of an adult, reaches 36 cm, and the length of the tail is about 60 cm, and the weight is about 2 kg.
Behavior.
The Indian giant squirrel spends most of its time in trees, rarely descending to the ground. For the improvement of nests, they require a richly branched tree. Moving from tree to tree, they jump over a distance of up to 6 m. When danger arises, the Indian giant squirrel often prefers to hide, clinging to a tree trunk, rather than flee. The main threat of the day they are predator birds and leopards. Indian giant squirrels are mainly active during the hours of dawn and dusk, resting during the day. They are shy, alert animals that are quite difficult to spot. Indian giant squirrels live alone or in pairs. They build large globular nests of twigs and leaves, placing them on thin branches where large predators cannot reach them. These nests become visible in deciduous forests after leaf fall.
Spreading.
This species is endemic to deciduous, mixed broad-leaved and moist evergreen forests of the Hindustan Peninsula. Indian giant squirrels live in separate territories located far from each other, thereby creating favorable conditions for speciation. Proteins found in each individual territory have their own distinctive coloration, which makes it easy to determine in which region a given protein lives.
Cape ground squirrel (lat. Xerus inauris)
It is one of the representatives of the genus African ground squirrels of the squirrel family. They live in southern Africa in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.
Description.
Kama ground squirrel has black skin covered with short coarse hair without undercoat. On the back, the hair is brown, and on the muzzle, underbelly, neck and on the ventral side of the limb, it is white. White stripes ran down the sides from shoulder to hip. The eyes are rather large and have white lines around them. The tail is flat, covered with mixed white and black hair. Males are usually 8-12% heavier than females. Males weigh from 420 to 650 grams, and females from 400 to 600. The total length varies from 42 to 48 cm. The molt occurs from August to September and from March to April.
Distribution.
Cape ground squirrels are common in southern Africa: South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. They live in most of Namibia, but are not found in coastal areas and in the northwest. In Botswana, they are found in the central and southwestern Kalahari. In South Africa, Cape ground squirrels are common in the central and northern regions.
Lifestyle.
Cape ground squirrels mostly live in arid or semi-arid areas. They prefer to live on the plateaus of the Weld and meadows with hard ground. Cape ground squirrels are generally active during the day and do not hibernate. They live in burrows, which occupy an average of about 700 square meters. m, and can have up to 100 inputs. Burrows serve as shelter from the scorching sun and predators. However, they spend most of the day on the surface in search of food.
Cape ground squirrels feed on bulbs, fruits, grasses, insects, and shrubs. They do not stock up on food, as food can be found throughout the year. Cape ground squirrels have little need for a source of water, as they have enough water from their food.
Carolina squirrel (lat. Sciurus carolinensis) or gray squirrel
It is a representative of the squirrel genus, squirrel family.
Description.
The Carolina squirrel has mostly gray fur, but it can be with a brownish tint, the fur on the belly is white. The tail is large and fluffy. In places where the danger from predators is not great, you can often find Carolina squirrels almost completely black. They are most commonly found in southeastern Canada.
An adult Carolina squirrel has a body length with a head of 23 to 30 cm, a tail length of 19 to 25 cm, and a weight ranging from 0.4 to 0.6 kg. Like all squirrels, the Carolina squirrel has four toes on its front paws and five on its back.
Distribution.
The Carolina squirrel lives in the east and midwest of the United States, as well as in the southeast of Canada. Its habitat overlaps with the habitat of the fox squirrel, quite often these two species are confused. The fertility and adaptability of the Carolina squirrel allowed it to populate areas of the western United States. They were also introduced to the UK, where they spread throughout the territory.
The Carolina squirrel feeds on a range of foods, such as tree bark, buds, berries, seeds and acorns, walnuts and other nuts, and some types of mushrooms that grow in forests, including fly agaric. They are cold to all kinds of feeders filled with seeds of millet, corn, sunflower, etc. In very rare cases, when the main food is not enough, Carolina squirrels will prey on insects, frogs, small rodents, including other squirrels, small birds, and also eat eggs and chicks.
Red squirrel (lat. Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
It is one of the representatives of wood squirrels belonging to the genus red squirrels of the squirrel family. They are often referred to as pine squirrels.
Description.
Red squirrels are easily recognizable among other North American tree squirrels by their the following features: small size, territorial behavior, reddish fur on the back and white on the belly. The Douglas squirrel is morphologically similar to the red squirrel, but its belly fur has a reddish tint and the distribution ranges of the two species do not overlap.
Spreading.
Red squirrels are widely distributed throughout almost all of North America. They live in Canada and the United States located east of the Rocky Mountains. The population of red squirrels is quite large and does not cause concern about the preservation of the species in any area. However, the isolated red squirrel population in Arizona is experiencing a significant decline in population size.
Red squirrels are primarily seed-eating, but can include other foods in their diet if necessary. Observations of red squirrels suggest that white spruce seeds make up more than 50% of the diet, with the rest of the diet including spruce buds and needles, mushrooms, willow buds, poplar catkins, bearberry flowers and berries, as well as bird eggs and even the young of other small rodents. . White spruce cones ripen at the end of July, and in August and September, red squirrels are stocked with them for the winter and spring period breeding. Also, red squirrels stock up on various types of fungi, including those that are deadly to humans, hanging them on tree branches and drying them in the sun.
Cream squirrel (lat. Ratufa affinis)
It is a representative of the genus of giant squirrels of the squirrel family living in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. It is likely that this species disappeared in Singapore, as recent sightings have not recorded cream squirrels in their natural habitat. Also, the presence of this species in Vietnam is considered doubtful.
Description.
The large size and colorful coloration of the cream squirrel makes this species quite conspicuous in the wild. The color of the back and head varies from dark brown to gray, and the belly from dark yellow to white. Ears are short and large. The head and body of an adult individual reach a length of 32-35 cm, and a tail of 37-44 cm, weight is from 0.9 to 1.5 kg.
Habitat.
This species is the only member of the giant squirrel genus in Borneo (in other regions this species shares habitat with the bicolor squirrel). This is one of the mammalian species that live in the vast forest part of the Belum-Temengor Reserve, located on the Malay Peninsula.
The cream squirrel lives in lowland and secondary forests. They rarely visit agricultural plantations and settlements, preferring the wild forest. Although this species spends most of its time in the upper forest canopy, it occasionally descends to the ground to prey on smaller rodents or to move to a neighboring tree plot.
Behavior.
The creamy protein shows the main activity in the morning and in the evening. They live in pairs or alone. In moments of anxiety, they make a loud sound that can be heard from afar.
Although cream squirrels often make a hollow in a tree for shelter during the breeding season, they still predominantly live in large ball-shaped nests twisted in tree branches.
Their diet mainly consists of seeds, leaves, fruits, nuts, bark, insects, and eggs. Proteins are very short thumb which he holds and controls his food while foraging.
flying squirrel
This is a small rodent belonging to the squirrel family and is the only representative of the flying squirrel subfamily. This animal lives in Russia.
An ordinary flying squirrel has a body length of no more than 20 centimeters, and the tail of this animal does not exceed 18 cm. This animal differs from squirrels in that it has lateral skin folds between the hind and front legs, as well as the color of the fur - as a rule, flying squirrels are gray in color. The back of these animals is from gray-yellow to light gray in color, and the tail is gray in most cases. These animals are characterized by small ears without tassels and black big eyes.
There is an ordinary flying squirrel in the coniferous forests of Eurasia from Mongolia to Finland. It is worth noting that this animal easily takes root in forests of various types, but most often lives where there are birches, pines and larches.
The flying squirrel is active at night and at dusk. Choosing housing for itself, the animal looks at the hollows of old trees, and chooses the appropriate option for itself. Leads an arboreal lifestyle and does not fall into hibernation.
The flying squirrel is quite mobile and jumping (the jump can reach a length of up to 50m). It is worth noting that this animal is able to change the direction of flight in a jump.
In food, this animal prefers plant foods - buds, aspen catkins, willows, birches, and also eats leaves. The flying squirrel will not refuse berries, especially red currants, mountain ash, loves pine nuts and mushrooms. In rare cases, it eats chicks and eggs, insects and even birds.
This animal does not make any special efforts in building its own nest and does not build a solid frame, but only forms a “house” of moss and lichen. As mentioned earlier, this animal can settle in a hollow and form a spherical soft nest there. Bird feathers are often used as building material. Also, the flying squirrel can settle in the nests of common squirrels.
In late February - early March, this animal begins the rut. During this time period, flying squirrels descend to snow-covered places and trample down entire paths. According to many sources, a flying squirrel has one litter in one year, while others claim that the animal can bring up to four cubs twice a year.
Fox squirrel (lat. Sciurus niger)
This is the most large view squirrel family living in North America. Despite the difference in size and color, they are often confused with the red or eastern gray squirrel in areas where they live in the neighborhood.
Description.
The total body length of the fox squirrel varies from 45 to 70 cm, the length of the tail is from 20 to 35 cm, and the weight varies from 500 to 1000 grams. They do not have sexual dimorphism in size or appearance. In the west, representatives of fox squirrels, as a rule, are smaller than their relatives living in other areas. There are three types of coloration depending on the geographical habitat. In most areas, the fox squirrel has the following coloration: the upper body varies from brown-gray to brown-yellow with a typically brownish-orange belly. In eastern regions such as the Appalachians, the fox squirrel is dark brown and black in color with white stripes on the muzzle and tail. In the south, fox squirrels with a completely black color live. For more dexterous movement through the trees, they have sharp claws, and they also have well-developed muscles of the forearms and abdomen. They have well developed eyesight, hearing and smell.
Distribution.
The natural range of the fox squirrel occupies the east of the USA, the south of Canada, as well as such states of the center of the USA as Dakota, Colorado, Texas. Fox squirrels are quite versatile in their choice of habitat, being most commonly found in forested areas of about 40 ha. They prefer forests dominated by trees such as oak, hickory, walnut and pine, the fruits of which are edible even in winter.
The diet of fox squirrels is quite dependent on their geographic habitat. In general, their diet includes such foods as tree buds, various nuts, acorns, insects, tubers, roots, bulbs, bird eggs, pine seeds and fruit trees, mushrooms, as well as agricultural crops such as corn, soybeans, oats, wheat, as well as various fruits.
Maghreb squirrel (lat. Atlantoxerus getulus)
It is the only representative of the genus Magrub squirrels of the squirrel family. It is endemic living in the western part of the Sahara, in the territory of Algeria and Morocco, and was also brought to the Canary Islands. The natural habitat of the Maghreb squirrel is subtropical and tropical dry scrub, temperate grasslands and rocky areas where they live in colonies in burrows. This species was first described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Description.
The Maghreb squirrel is a small species, body length ranging from 16 to 22 cm with a fluffy tail that is about the same length as the body. Weight reaches 350 grams. The body is covered with short coarse hair. The general coloration is greyish-brown or reddish-brown. Several white stripes stretched along the back along the body. The belly is lighter, the tail has mixed long black and gray hair.
Distribution.
The Maghreb squirrel lives on the coast of Western Sahara, in Morocco and Algeria from the coast to the Atlas Mountains, and was also introduced to the island of Fuerteventura on canary islands in 1965. This is the only representative of the squirrel family living in Africa north of the Sahara. They live in arid rocky regions, as well as in mountainous regions at altitudes up to 4000 m.
Lifestyle.
Maghreb squirrels form colonies and live in family groups in burrows in dry grasslands, farmlands and rocky areas. They need an available source of water but have not been seen in irrigated fields. The feeding period, as a rule, takes place early in the morning and in the evening, and during the hot day they hide with minks.
The Maghreb squirrel consists of plant food, which is dominated by the fruits and seeds of the argan tree. If the colony experiences a shortage of food, then it can migrate. Maghreb squirrels breed twice a year, giving birth to up to four young.
Mexican prairie dog (lat. Cynomys mexicanus)
It is a diurnal burrowing rodent of the squirrel family native to Mexico. In connection with the measures taken to combat agricultural pests, the population of Mexican prairie dogs has been greatly reduced and has reached the level endangered kind. They have much in common with squirrels, chipmunks and marmots.
Description.
mexican prairie dogs adulthood weigh about 1 kg and have a body length of 14 to 17 cm, while males are larger than females. They are yellowish in color, with dark ears and a lighter belly.
Habitat and diet.
Mexican prairie dogs prefer the rocky soil of the plains at altitudes of 1600-2200 meters above sea level. They live in the southern part of the state of Coahuila and the northern part of the state of San Luis Potosi. The diet of Mexican Prairie Dogs is primarily composed of grasses found in the plains where they live. Also, their diet includes insects and, quite rarely, can eat each other. Predators posing a threat to Mexican Prairie Dogs are weasels, badgers, snakes, bobcats, coyotes, eagles and hawks.
Life cycle.
In Mexican prairie dogs, the mating season runs from January to April. After a pregnancy lasting about a month, the female has an average of 4 cubs. Females bring one litter per year. The cubs are born blind and move by touch for 40 days until their eyes open. Weaning occurs between the end of May and June, when underyearlings can leave the burrow. Puppies leave their mothers in early autumn. They reach sexual maturity at the age of one year. The life expectancy of Mexican prairie dogs reaches 3-5 years.
Palm squirrel (Funambulus palmarum)
It is one of the species of rodents of the squirrel family living in India and Sri Lanka. AT late XIX century, the palm squirrel was introduced into Western Australia, where populations reached alarming Agriculture sizes, due to the lack of natural predators.
Description.
The palm squirrel is about the same size as a large chipmunk, with a fluffy tail that is slightly shorter than the body. The color of the back is gray or gray-brown with three white stripes that stretch from the head to the tail. Her belly and tail are creamy white. The tail also has long hairs mixed with black and white. The ears are small and triangular in shape. Young squirrels are much lighter in color, which becomes darker with age.
Diet and behaviour.
The palm squirrel mainly feeds on nuts and fruits. They feel pretty good in an urban environment, are easily tamed and amenable to training. Palm squirrels are quite active in protecting their food sources from birds and other squirrels. They are especially active during the mating season.
Reproduction.
The mating season runs during the fall. The gestation period is about 34 days. Offspring are born in nests made of grass. The litter contains two or three cubs. For 10 weeks, the female breastfeeds her offspring, and at the age of 9 months they reach sexual maturity.
black-tailed prairie dog
It is a member of the squirrel family and belongs to the genus of prairie dogs.
In its appearance, the prairie dog is similar to yellow or large ground squirrels, which were previously also assigned to this genus.
The body of this animal is quite massive with short legs. The tail of the prairie dog is covered with short hair and differs from the rest in its color, which is why it got its name. The color of the coat on the sides and back is pale brown, although quite often they are also found with saturated brown. The bottom of the animal is lighter. Young black-tailed prairie dogs are lighter in color than adult animals.
The weight of a prairie dog reaches 1.3 kilograms, but females weigh much less than males.
You can meet this animal from the south of Arizona to the states of North Dakota and Montana, as well as in Texas and New Mexico.
Animals settle, as a rule, in low-grass prairies and their settlements are not at all difficult to notice, since rather high mounds (height - 60 cm) are striking.
During the autumn period, prairie dogs gain a lot of weight, and there is an assumption that they hibernate, but at the same time, in a warm winter time their activity can often be seen on the surface.
An interesting fact that was noticed by the researchers. Prairie dogs, in the amount of 32 pieces, are able to eat the daily ration of a sheep, and 256 pieces of such animals will overpower the daily ration of a cow.
Black-tailed prairie dogs mate from February to April and their pregnancy lasts no more than 33 days (but not less than 27). Old females bring from 2 to 10 cubs, but young ones in the first offspring can bring only 2-3.
The cubs are born blind and without hair, but after 26 days, the skin of the animals begins to become covered with hair. The eyes of the cubs of the black-tailed prairie dog open only on the 33rd - 37th day, during the same period they already begin to “bark”. When the pups reach six weeks of age, they are able to consume green food, but at the same time they do not refuse to eat milk.
The basis of the diet of these animals are a variety of herbaceous plants, and in rare cases, insects.
Northern flying squirrel (lat. Glaucomys sabrinus)
It is one of two representatives of the genus American flying squirrels. Northern and southern flying squirrels are the only flying squirrels found in North America.
Description.
The northern flying squirrel is a nocturnal, arboreal rodent with thick, light brown fur on its back, grayish on its flanks, and whitish on its belly. They have large eyes and a flat tail. They have long whiskers that are characteristic of nocturnal mammals. An adult northern flying squirrel has a length of 25 to 37 cm, and weight varies from 110 to 230 g.
Northern flying squirrels have a patagium, which is a membrane between the limbs and the body, thanks to which they can glide from tree to tree. They can start their planning both from a running start and from a stationary position by grouping up and making a jump. After the jump, they open, spreading the limbs in the shape of the letter "X", which allows you to deploy the membranes and glide at an angle of 30 to 40 degrees. They maneuver quite well among the obstacles that appear in their path. When landing, with the help of a flat tail, they sharply change the position of the body, stretch their limbs forward, thereby creating the effect of a parachute, which makes it possible to soften the landing. The glide distance is typically in the range of 5 to 25 meters, although observations have recorded a glide distance of up to 45 meters. On average, the planning distance of females is 5 meters less than that of males.
Spreading.
Northern flying squirrels inhabit coniferous and mixed forests throughout upper North America, from Alaska to Nova Scotia, south to the mountains of North Carolina and west to California.
The main food source of northern flying squirrels are mushrooms (truffles) of various species, although they also feed on lichens, seeds and tree sap, insects, carrion, bird eggs and their chicks, buds and flowers. Northern flying squirrels find truffles thanks to a good sense of smell, as well as a good memory, remembering places where mushrooms have already been found. Northern flying squirrels, like other squirrels, stock up on food for the winter, make hiding places in tree cavities, as well as in your nest.
Behavior.
Northern flying squirrels usually nest in tree cavities, preferring tree trunks. large diameter and dead trees, although they can also build nests among the branches of trees from dry branches and leaves. In winter, northern flying squirrels often form joint nests, in which 4 to 10 individuals can live. This kind of association allows them to warm each other during especially cold periods of winter.
Southern flying squirrel (lat. Glaucomys volans)
It is one of two representatives of the genus American flying squirrels. The southern and northern flying squirrels are the only flying squirrels found in North America.
Description.
Southern flying squirrels have grey-brown fur on their backs with darker hues on their flanks and cream on their belly and chest. They have large dark eyes and a flat tail. Between the body, front and hind legs is a fur-covered membrane called patagium, which allows southern flying squirrels to glide.
Spreading.
Southern flying squirrels live in deciduous and mixed forests of eastern North America, from southeastern Canada to Florida, USA. Separate populations of southern flying squirrels are also found in Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras.
The most preferred habitat for southern flying squirrels are forests dominated by hickory, beech and oak trees, as well as living among maples and poplars. The territory of their habitat, depending on the abundance of food, can vary from 2.5 to 16 hectares for males and from 2 to 7 hectares for females.
Southern flying squirrels feed on fruits and nuts from trees such as red and white oak, hickory, beech, etc. They stock up on food for the winter, acorns make up a significant part of these reserves. Their diet also includes insects, buds, fungi, mycorrhiza, carrion, bird eggs and chicks. Predators that pose a danger to southern flying squirrels are snakes, owls, hawks, raccoons, etc.
Reproduction.
Southern flying squirrels can produce offspring twice a year (from 2 to 7 cubs in a litter). The gestation period is about 40 days. The young are born completely naked and helpless. Their ears open on the 2-6th day, and the fur begins to grow on the 7th day. Their eyes open only for 24-30 days. Parents begin to leave their cubs unattended at 65 days, and at the age of 120 days they become completely independent.
Japanese flying squirrel (lat. Pteromys momonga)
It is one of the representatives of the genus Eurasian flying squirrels.
Description. The body length of an adult representative of Japanese flying squirrels varies from 14 to 20 cm, and the length of the tail is from 10 to 14 cm, weighs from 150 to 220 g. Its back is covered with gray-chestnut hair, and its belly is white. He has big eyes and a flat tail.
Spreading.
The Japanese flying squirrel lives in the subalpine forests of Japan.
Lifestyle.
This species is nocturnal, and during the day it hides in holes in trees. Japanese flying squirrels, like other flying squirrels, can glide from tree to tree thanks to a membrane called the patagium. They build their nests in the cavities of tree trunks, with a greater preference for coniferous trees over deciduous ones.
Food.
The Japanese flying squirrel feeds on seeds, fruits, leaves, buds, and tree bark. In order to get to the food growing on a thin branch, Japanese flying squirrels stretch along it and slowly crawl towards their cherished goal. This allows them to distribute the weight so that the twig does not bend. Reaching for food, they tear it off with their front paws and return to the thicker part of the branch.
And you can read a lot of interesting things about animals here: //tambov-zoo.ru/alfaident/
Someone has a cat living at home for years, someone is proud that he trains a dog, but there are mammals that are rightfully considered an adornment of a park, forest or city apartment. These rodents live on trees, cause delight and admiration among the public, young and old. Guessed? Well, of course, we are talking about a squirrel, an unusually beautiful and active animal, whose behavior can be observed for hours.
Let's find out with you what kind of animal it is - a squirrel, how to care for it, and what varieties of it are known.
Active and nimble, fluffy lumps do not tolerate crowding, and if they have nowhere to run, they begin to get bored, yearn, and may even die. Therefore, a wheel is placed in a cage for them, but animals do not always like such monotonous movements.
Therefore, most owners believe that a cage is not the best house for a squirrel, it needs a spacious aviary. The aviary can not be placed near the window, install it against the opposite wall. The squirrel is an active rodent, so the height of the enclosure must be at least 1 meter. Inside the enclosure, in a large tub, you need to install a tree with a dense crown so that the squirrels can climb the branches. A small box is attached to the far wall of the enclosure, it will be a squirrel's nest. It should have a removable roof and a manhole. In addition, you can fill the aviary with shelves and boards.
In addition to the cotton wool, hay or fur you put in the nest, there may be nuts or other hidden food. Well, even students primary school it is known that the squirrel likes to stock up.
Spring and autumn are the period of molting of squirrels. Mineral dressing (chalk, salt, bone flour) and vitamins at this time must be present in their daily menu. At home, squirrels of any breed are less active than in the wild, so their claws wear down less and grow back quickly. So that the animal does not injure itself and does not feel discomfort, the edges of the claws must be trimmed in a timely manner.
Sand is poured onto the plywood floor of the enclosure, it is not changed often, it is enough to do this a couple of times a month. Squirrels are shy, they love it when they are addressed with an affectionate, calm voice, to maintain their calmness and comfort, the aviary, at first, is covered with burlap.
Animals are very attached to humans, especially to those who care for them every day. You can tame a squirrel to take food from your hands. But the naughty will take it as long as you offer it. Do not worry, she will not overeat, and obesity does not threaten her, just cunning will take the excess to a secluded place. Remember that squirrels are forgetful, because it is thanks to this property that new trees appear in the forest. Therefore, do not be surprised if you find seeds, grains, mushrooms or nuts in secluded corners of your home.
In autumn, the red coat turns gray, and in the spring everything repeats again. Why is this happening? After observing domestic squirrels, scientists came to the conclusion that their fur every winter more and more resembles summer, which means that the main reason for molting is, after all, the temperature factor.
Varieties
The genus of squirrels includes 54 species. Representatives of each of them have much in common, but there are also differences. For example, the length of the body of the smallest mouse squirrel is only 6-7.5 cm, 5 of which are its tail.
There are Caucasian, baby squirrels, two-tone, Indian giant, Cape ground, Caroline and other types of squirrels. On the territory of Russia, you can only find an ordinary squirrel. As you have already learned, there are other breeds in nature, let's look at the most common of them.
The types of the most popular domestic squirrels are ordinary and white-striped squirrels. Let's get to know their representatives better.
Common squirrel (veksha) and its subspecies
The tail of the squirrel is unusually beautiful, because its length is almost 31 centimeters, while the length of the body is 20-32 centimeters. Body weight does not exceed one kilogram. The color palette of coloring is very wide - from ashy to almost black. The body sheds twice, and the tail only once a year. The winter fur of squirrels living in cold latitudes is thicker than that of those living further south. In nature, squirrels find a lot of food for themselves - these are tree seeds, fruits, berries, nuts, bark, shoots, etc. But animals need more than just plant foods. Bird eggs, small rodents, lizards, chicks - this is what such seemingly harmless fluffy creatures like to feast on. Arboreal animals can demonstrate real miracles of balancing act, jumping from the top of a tree to the grass, or deftly jumping from one branch to another. Children especially like to watch squirrels, and how else. After all, these curious creatures play catch-up on the tops of the highest pines. If the animal jumps from a height of thirty meters, do not be afraid, it will not break, because the body and tail are designed in such a way that it seems as if the animal is descending on a parachute.
An ordinary squirrel is the champion in offspring; up to 10 babies are born to it. But the gray squirrel does not have more than 5. Blind and naked babies only after the sixth week get out of the nest, refusing mother's milk. If the kids are left without a mother at home, then a warm shelter is a 50% guarantee that they will survive. A one-year-old baby squirrel is considered an adult.
The mountain Persian squirrel, living in the Transcaucasus, gives birth three times a year. She lives in walnut and chestnut forests, loves to settle in the hollows of fruit trees.
But the gray squirrel is its direct opposite, it needs deciduous trees. Grey-tailed teleut squirrels used to be much more common. Their winter fur is grey, or silvery gray, and is extraordinarily beautiful, and this is the reason for their destruction.
white-striped squirrel
Her homeland is the West African state of Ghana. On the sides of the body, from head to tail, it is as if a white stripe is drawn, and behind it is a dark one. The striped beauty - the squirrel is very shy, therefore, traveling around African forests, you can hear how squirrels scream, notifying all the inhabitants of the forest of danger.
They bring offspring 3-4 times a year, and each time they give life to 2-3 babies. If you grow such a squirrel at home, there will be no problems with it. animal finds mutual language with the owner, understands him and gets used to him. It is unlikely that it will occur to her to run away, even if you let her go for a walk from the aviary.
Unfortunately, the barbaric hunting of squirrels for their valuable fur has led to a decrease in the number of some species. In some countries, for example, located in the tropics, fur does not matter, where protein is exterminated because of the delicious dietary meat.
Quiet - the squirrel is having lunch
Protein nutrition should be rational and balanced. Food is given twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. The weight of products eaten per feeding should not exceed 40g:
- flax, oats, hemp 12-15 g;
- nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts) 5-8 g;
- sunflower 5-8 g;
- carrots 15g;
- apples 10g;
- white bread or crackers 10g;
- half of a large porcini mushroom.
By the way, they love mushrooms in any form - both fresh and dried, they are equally tasty for them. And how else, because scientists have calculated that these animals eat 45 species of mushrooms.
You need to give one thing: bread or oversowing, nuts or sunflowers. Squirrels love to feast on nuts, cones, they are given willow earrings, chalk and salt. They need deciduous plants, it is strictly forbidden to give food from the table, the water in the drinker must be clean.
Do pet squirrels have gastronomic preferences? Well, of course! To pamper your pet, offer him crackers, only without additives, vegetables, fruits, you can catch an insect for your friend, make minced meat, offer milk or fermented milk product. Offer your pet raisins, cereals or a compote mixture, but pour boiling water over the berries from the compote in advance. Peanuts and salted seeds are not only not healthy, but very harmful products for protein.
Do not forget that proteins are born aesthetes, and the way the food is served will determine the appetite and quality of digestion of the products. Wash and clean the drinkers and feeders in a timely manner, remove food debris and change the water. Remember not to overfeed animals. Obesity is no less dangerous than hunger. So that the teeth do not hurt and grind in a timely manner, squirrels are given solid food.
Monotonous food can cause irreversible changes in the lives of nimble furry creatures, and can even cause death.
Choosing a house
As we have already said, the squirrel should be spacious and light. In addition to the house, where the pet could hide from prying eyes, there should be a feeder, a drinking bowl, and a running wheel in the aviary. The wheel is your assistant, because, believe me, it is very sad to watch how an energetic squirrel will be frankly bored without being able to run. A squirrel can rotate on the wheel for several hours, and this will be to her advantage.
A log or branch is a mandatory attribute of an aviary for squirrels. A mobile animal will benefit from any walks. Let him run around the apartment, but not alone. The little squirrel is smart, but not enough to understand that you can’t gnaw on furniture legs or carpets.
animal breeding
First, let's think about where to go shopping. Squirrels, like other living creatures, can be bought at a special nursery, pet store or zoo. They are rarely sold at bird markets, and besides, how can you check that an animal is healthy?
Like most animals, squirrel mating begins in the spring. domestic squirrel bears offspring for about 5 weeks, she performs maternal duties well, babies do not need additional care. A newborn baby is small, he is born with a weight of 8 grams, but grows quickly, since mother's milk contains all the components necessary for growth and development. At 2 weeks, fur appears on their body, at 4 their eyes open, at 40 days they go in search of food, since they already have little mother's milk. At 2 months old, the baby is completely independent. At 5 months, squirrels are sexually mature individuals. But, not everyone wants to get offspring in captivity.
To the family includes marmots, squirrels, chipmunks and ground squirrels. Flying squirrels differ from squirrels by the presence of a skin membrane between the front and hind limbs.
flying squirrels. Flying squirrels have a thin leather membrane stretched between their front and hind limbs, thanks to which they can move through the air, gliding. Sometimes animals are thus able to overcome a considerable distance. The flying squirrel's tail plays the role of a braking organ when "landing" on a tree. Unlike squirrels, representatives of the flying squirrel family are active mainly at night. 
American northern flying squirrel, which lives in southern Canada and the western United States, is saved from predators only thanks to its original ability to plan between trees. She spreads all four limbs to stretch the membrane as much as possible, and flies from tree to tree. The largest species of the flying squirrel family is Taguan, which reaches 1.2 m in length (including the tail) and can fly a distance of up to sixty meters.
Features of squirrels and flying squirrels
Tail: Squirrels and flying squirrels have long and fluffy tails. With their help, these animals direct the direction of flight. In addition, they perform the function of a balancer during flight. Animals may use their tails as protection from rain and sun, or as a pillow when sleeping on cold surfaces.
Eyes: Most of the squirrel family have fairly large eyes. Their retinas are very well developed, so animals can very accurately estimate the distance to the nearest tree or twig, which is so important when flying.
Limbs: In squirrel rather short limbs. Flying squirrels have long claws on their paws. Animals need them to cling to the bark of trees. On the front limbs of marmots and ground squirrels there are strong long claws. With their help, they dig holes. Some species of squirrels that live in deserts have fur on their paw pads to protect them from hot sand. 
Reproduction: In representatives of the squirrel family, which live in trees, pregnancy lasts about forty days. In groundhogs, pregnancy lasts less - about thirty-three days. Short pregnancy in gophers - 21-28 days.
Did you know? During hibernation, the body temperature of many members of the squirrel family drops to 2 ° C, and the pulse slows down to five beats per minute (their normal pulse is 500 beats per minute).
The hair on the tails of common squirrels living in Great Britain often turns beige in winter. That is why scientists mistakenly attribute them to a separate species.
In terms of the number of their species, squirrels are second only to the mouse family.
At the beginning of the 20th century, a "prairie dog city" was discovered in Texas, which stretched over an area of 160,390 km2. It was believed that at that time about four hundred million of these animals lived there.
In India, there lives a chipmunk, which enjoys the nectar of mulberry flowers, pollinating them at the same time.
Representatives of the squirrel and flying squirrel families are found almost all over the world and inhabit a variety of biotopes. These animals are found both in the mountains and tropical jungles, as well as in city parks. 
ORIGIN. Fossils of animals similar to squirrels have been known since the Oligocene period in the Northern Hemisphere, in the New and Old Worlds. The first squirrels, rather, appeared in the tropical or subtropical regions of modern Eurasia. At a time when there was an isthmus between Eastern Siberia and Alaska (now separated by the Bering Strait), squirrels and related rodents traveled along it to North America. For a long time, these animals inhabited exclusively Eurasia and North America, which at that time was separated from South America by water. As a result of volcanic activity, a land bridge gradually formed between the two continents, which today is known as the Isthmus of Panama.
This happened at the end of the Pliocene, about two million years ago. Along the Isthmus of Panama, representatives of squirrels from North America came to the south.
PROTEINS. Squirrels have a special body structure, which helps them deftly move through the trees. They spend almost all their lives high above the ground, among the branches of trees.
Most squirrels that live in trees are fast and agile animals, usually active during the day. These rodents have long fluffy tails, so the squirrel family in Latin is called Zsiigiskge, which translates as "fluffy tails." The tail of these rodents performs the function of a balancer and a rudder while jumping from tree to tree. Until the 19th century, when the gray squirrel was acclimatized in part of Europe, the only European member of the family that lived in trees was the common squirrel. In American tree squirrels, in addition to the gray squirrel, the Douglas squirrel is also included.
Squirrels living in the northern parts of the range spend part of the winter in a dormant state. However, this is not a typical hibernation, as the movements just slow down and the animals sleep in the nest for several days. Different kinds proteins vary greatly in size.
African squirrels are animals weighing about 10 g, a two-color ratuf, living in South-East Asia, reaches a mass of 3 kg. In the representation of people, squirrels are found in coniferous snowy forest. However, the Persian squirrel lives in walnut and chestnut forests. Its Latin name means "abnormal squirrel". 
GROUND VIEWS squirrels. Representatives of the squirrel family living on the ground (more precisely, underground) have small ears and a short, tousled coat in which dust does not collect. This group includes ground squirrels, marmots and prairie dogs. Many species of squirrels live underground in colonies. Often they build entire underground "cities". Prairie dogs are kept in large family herds in underground "cities". In each "town" lives up to several thousand animals. Prairie dogs are found along the west coast of North America, from Canada to Mexico. Their "cities" are a complex system of interconnected corridors and chambers, some of which are reserved for pantry, other rooms serve as bedrooms, nest chambers or dressing rooms. In front of the entrance to the prairie dog burrows one can see crater-shaped hills that serve as lookout points. Many species of ground squirrels hibernate in winter, while others stock up for the winter. For example, Siberian chipmunks fill barns with mushrooms and selected seeds. All chipmunks have very developed cheek pouches necessary for carrying supplies. The chipmunk has adapted to life next to humans. In addition to natural food, he also collects waste in city parks and gardens. Marmots are distinguished by the fact that they hibernate, but do not make reserves for the winter.
Genus: Ammospermophilus Merriam, 1892 = Antelope ground squirrels
Genus: Atlantoxerus Major, 1893 = Maghreb squirrels
Genus: Callosciurus Gray, 1867 = Beautiful squirrels
Genus: Dremomys Heude, 1898 = Dremomys
Genus: Epixerus Thomas, 1909 = African squirrels
Genus: Exillisciurus Moore, 1958 = Tiny squirrels
Genus: Funambulus Lesson, 1832 = Palm squirrels
Genus: Funisciurus Trouessart, 1880 = Striped squirrels
Genus: Glyphotes Thomas, 1898 = Kalimantan squirrels
Genus: Heliosciurus Trouessart, 1880 = Solar squirrels
Genus: Hyosciurus Tate et Archbold, 1935 = Sulawesian squirrels
Genus: Lariscus Thomas et Wroughton, 1909 = Malayan squirrels
Genus: Menetes Thomas, 1908 = Multibanded squirrels
Genus: Microsciurus Allen J., 1895 = Dwarf squirrels
Genus: Myosciurus Thomas, 1909 = Mouse squirrels
Genus: Nannosciurus Trouessart, 1880 = Black-eared squirrels
Genus: Paraxerus Major, 1893 = Bush squirrels
Genus: Prosciurillus Ellerman, 1949 = Dwarf Sulawesi squirrels
Genus: Protoxerus Major, 1893 = Oil proteins
Genus: Ratufa Gray, 1867 = giant squirrels, ratuffs
Genus: Rheithrosciurus Gray, 1867 = Cyst-eared squirrels
Genus: Rhinosciurus Gray, 1843 = Long-nosed squirrels
Genus: Rubrisciurus Ellerman, 1954 = Ruby squirrels
Genus: Sciurillus Thomas, 1914 = Pygmy squirrels, midge squirrels
Genus: Sciurotamias Miller, 1901 = Squirrel [squirrel-like] chipmunks, rocky squirrels
Genus: Sundasciurus Moore, 1958 = Sundasciurus
Genus: Suntheosciurus Bangs, 1902 = Furrow-cutting squirrels
Genus: Tamiasciurus Trouessart, 1880 = Red [chipmunk] squirrels
Genus: Tamiops Allen J., 1906 = Tamiops
Brief description of the family
The sizes of squirrels are variable: from small to medium. Body length from 6 (mouse squirrel) to 60 cm (marmots); a few small species are characteristic of tropical and subtropical faunas. Squirrels are divided into two environmental groups- terrestrial (marmots, ground squirrels) and arboreal (squirrels); intermediate position is occupied by chipmunks. A slender physique - a well-defined cervical interception, elongated (especially hind) hind limbs of five-, fore-four- or five-fingered, armed with sharp, sharply curved claws on each of the long fingers - are characteristic of squirrels adapted to arboreal and semi-arboreal lifestyles . The fourth toe on the fore and hind limbs is the longest. The length of the tail varies from short to long (longer than the body). The tail is always densely covered with hair, sometimes long with a brush at the end.
Stocky, short torso with a less distinct cervical interception, a short tail and limbs with massive, blunt claws are characteristic of squirrels leading a semi-underground (burrow) lifestyle. The inner (first) finger of the forelimb in both groups is shortened, in the second it may be absent. The nature of the hairline is changeable; guard hairs are usually sparse and relatively thin.
Tubular bones in climbing forms are elongated, like in flying squirrels; in burrows, their proportions are the same as in most non-specialized rodents of other families. Humerus with a poorly developed crest of the greater tubercle and with a supracondylar foramen. The ulna is never thinner than the moderately developed radius. The olecranon is relatively small. The base of the ischium of the pelvic bone is not flattened; its iliac and ischial tubercles are well developed. Femur with a small third trochanter, located high only in climbing forms. Small tibia is free.
Scull of various shapes, with slightly (in climbing forms) or widely (in burrows) spaced zygomatic arches, usually slightly diverging backwards. The facial section is shortened, although, as a rule, less than that of flying squirrels; brain - large and swollen in climbing forms or small, rounded in burrows. Orbit of moderate size, sometimes small. The supraorbital processes of the frontal bones are poorly developed (in most climbing forms), small (in many burrows), rarely large. The longitudinal depression in the interorbital region is weakly expressed in climbing forms; in some burrows, due to the significant elevation of the upper edges of the orbit, this area is groove-like deepened.
There are no postorbital tubercles. Parietal ridges are absent or weakly expressed (in climbing forms). The maxillary bone does not form a separate masseter (zygomatic) plate. The zygomatic bone is in contact with the lacrimal. The infraorbital foramina are relatively small, and the anterior part of the masticatory muscle does not pass through them. The infraorbital canal is present, rarely absent. Auditory drums are small, thin-walled; mastoid bones are not enlarged. Lower jaw with comparatively wide angular section, weakly (in climbing forms), moderately or strongly (in burrowing forms) lower margin bent inwards. The coronoid process is small in climbing forms, well developed in burrows; articular, as a rule, on the contrary.
dental formula: I 1/1 C 0/0 P 1-2/1 M 3/3 = 20-22 teeth. The molars are low to high crowned, with well developed barks and tuberculate chewing surfaces. The first upper anterior root (P3), if present, is always much smaller than the second (P2). This latter, like the inferior anterior molar (P1), is molarized. The teeth decrease in the forward direction, the upper ones are weaker than the lower ones. The outlines of the usually three-tuberculate upper molars are from narrow to wide triangular, the four-tuberculous lower ones are quadrangular. The tuberculate type of structure is often modified into a tuberculate-comb, sometimes significantly complicated by secondary formations. The incisors, especially the lower ones in climbing forms, are strongly compressed from the sides. Cheek teeth with roots; brachyodont or hypselodont type.
AT coloration squirrels are dominated by brownish-ocher tones, sometimes with a significant predominance of black or red. The coloration is monophonic or with a pattern - from longitudinally striped to correctly or incorrectly spotted, with ripples and streaks developed to varying degrees. Large spots occur as a rare exception. Among typical burrows, striped coloration is not found at all, but the spots may retain a longitudinal arrangement.
Eyes quite large. The limbs are well developed; the posterior ones are usually longer than the anterior ones, but not more than 2 times. The hind limbs are five-, front four- or five-fingered. Fingers with sharp claws. The length of the tail varies from short to long (longer than the body). The tail is always densely covered with hair, sometimes long with a brush at the end. hairline dense and soft, relatively high or strongly sparse, setiform. Coloring its solid color or with stripes and spots, varies from black and white to red or dark dirty yellow. Teats range from 2 pairs in some tropical and tree squirrels to 6 pairs in some neoarctic ground squirrels.
common throughout the globe, with the exception of the Australian region, Madagascar, the southern part of South America (Patagonia, Chile, most of Argentina), the polar regions and some deserts of the Arabian and ARE Peninsulas.
Two main areas of specialization- to arboreal and burrowing lifestyles - led to the formation within the family of well-defined and widely known life forms of rodents, represented by the first - squirrel, the second - ground squirrel. Adaptation to the tree way of life should be considered more ancient. However, it cannot be considered as the starting point for the development of adaptation to life in burrows. A number of species are found both in structure and in lifestyle varying degrees this latter and a different combination of features of arboreal and terrestrial forms. So, an intermediate position between marmots and squirrels is occupied by chipmunks in northern Eurasia and African ground squirrels.
squirrels inhabit a wide variety of landscapes: forests, open plains, deserts, tundras, mountains, from the tropics to the Arctic. A small number of species inhabit open spaces above the upper forest line and mountain tundra. In the composition of the original faunas of Australia, Madagascar, New Zealand and oceanic "islands are absent. They lead a terrestrial and arboreal lifestyle. Active mostly during the day. feed on predominantly various plant objects, sometimes insects and small vertebrates. Some species hibernate during the winter. Duration pregnancy 22-45 days. Females bring from 1 to 15 naked and blind cubs. For some species, long-distance migrations have been noted. Lead single, sometimes colonial Lifestyle.
Many species of squirrels have an important x economic value. So, an ordinary squirrel ( Sciurus vulgaris L.) is a well-known furry species, which occupies the first place in our fauna in terms of the number of harvested skins. Skins of all other squirrel species are also used as secondary furs. Marmot and ground squirrel fat is used for technical purposes; many kinds of meat are edible. The harm caused by ground squirrels to grain farming is well known, as well as the important role of many members of the family in the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases. in the USSR and North America spent annually large sums on extermination measures, especially in areas where plague infection spreads among rodents.
most probable ancestors squirrels should be sought among the rich representatives of the ancient Tertiary family Ischyromyidae. Remains, obviously belonging to squirrels, are known from the Oligocene of the northern hemisphere in the Old and New Worlds.
There are 39 genera (228 species) in the Squirrel family.
Marmots - Marmota- inhabitants of meadows and steppes of both hemispheres, mainly mountain species. They live in burrows; feed on the vegetative parts of herbaceous plants. They go into hibernation. They form large settlements in which neighbors are connected by constant sound alarms warning of danger. Marmots are an object of fur trade; at the same time, they turn out to be carriers of the plague and other diseases dangerous to humans.
Gophers ( Citellus, Cynomys, Callospermophilus etc.) are more widely distributed, populating deserts. Form dense settlements; harm crops and store pathogens of a number of dangerous diseases.
Chipmunks ( Tamias, Eutamias) are associated with trees and shrubs and lead a terrestrial-arboreal way of life. Finally, squirrels are specialized tree dwellers with a predominantly solitary (family) way of life; especially diverse in the forests of South Asia (palm squirrels - Funandulus, Callosciurus and etc.); some reach a body length of 50 cm and a mass of 3 kg ( Ratufa).
African ground squirrels - Xerus in their way of life they are more like gophers (they live in burrows); in our fauna, the thin-toed ground squirrel is close to them - Spermophilopsis leptodactylus, common in sandy deserts Kazakhstan, Central Asia and Northern Iran.
Literature:
1. Sokolov V. E. Taxonomy of mammals (Orders: lagomorphs, rodents). Proc. allowance for un-comrade. M., "Higher. school", 1977.
2. Naumov N. P., Kartashev N. N. Vertebrate Zoology. - Part 2. - Reptiles, birds, mammals: A textbook for biologist. specialist. Univ. - M.: Higher. school, 1979. - 272 p., ill.
The striped ground squirrel (Xerus erythropus), also known as Geoffrey's or Geoffrey's squirrel, lives in the dry African shrouds of eastern and southwestern Sudan, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, Ethiopia, Uganda and Mauritania. These large and beautiful rodents prefer deserts, semi-deserts and light forests. The coat of this species of African squirrels is striped gray, with a characteristic white stripe on the ribs, and only the paws are orange. The tail is long, not fluffy. The fur of these African squirrels is coarse, which distinguishes this species from others, and often takes on the color of the soil where the animal lives, so it can vary from brown, reddish gray to yellowish gray. There is no fur on the paw pads. A white stripe on both sides of the body runs from the shoulders to the hindquarters. The body length is 20.3 to 46.3 cm and the tail length is 18 to 27.4 cm. The tail is somewhat flattened and usually darker than the rest of the body. Ears are small. The nails are long and slightly curved. The striped ground squirrel lives in multi-female social colonies, males prefer to travel between colonies and never stay in the same social group for long periods of time.
Breeding occurs throughout the year, but is coordinated among the females of one particular social group. Bearing offspring lasts from 64 to 78 days. The number of cubs is from 2 to 6. Only females take care of their offspring. The opposite sex doesn't waste time on parenting because it's not clear how the cubs are genetically related to them. females in social groups dig complex burrows for rearing young animals. Usually this nesting area is lined with soft, dried herbs and has several emergency exits. These burrows are usually deeper than normal burrows not intended for offspring. Females defend their burrows aggressively. Juveniles reach sexual maturity at about one year of age. After gaining independence, young females inherit the mother's territory. Lifespan in the wild is limited by predation and averages 3 years, twice that in captivity. Their enemies are birds of prey, snakes, and a man who deprives animals of their habitats.
Social groups usually consist of 6-10 individuals, with a maximum of 30. In groups, most of the females and a few males that are present in it if the females are in heat. A typical day for striped ground squirrels is spent communicating with their neighbors as well as looking for food products. Squirrels often sit while eating. This allows them to see the space well. For this characteristic stance, they are sometimes called striped ground squirrels.
The tail of a squirrel is a great indicator of their mood. When the squirrel is alert, the tail is held over the back, and the hairs on it stick out straight. In a frightened animal, the tail is parallel to the body. In a state of relaxation, the tail drops, almost dragging along the ground. Animals are active during the day. But during extremely hot days, this species is active at dawn and dusk, and hides in burrows during the day to avoid overheating. Ground striped squirrels are territorial animals but share their burrows with several other burrowing species.
Vocalization, like the tail, is an important form of communication. By squeaking, growling and chirping, ground striped squirrels can express protest, threat, contentment or suffering. This type of protein is omnivorous. The diet consists of palm nuts, bananas, papaya, seeds, grains, yams, root vegetables, insects, small vertebrates, amphibians, and bird eggs. This type of Geoffroy's squirrel is easy to tame and is often kept in place of domestic cats in South Africa. In parts of Africa, ground striped squirrels are hunted for their meat. Some locals consider the bite of this squirrel to be poisonous, in fact it is not, but to call infectious diseases maybe, since the animal is susceptible to trypanosomes in the blood (causative agents of African sleeping sickness) and may be a carrier of rabies.