STUDYING SQUIRRELS IN INDIA

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National

http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/12/stories/2006031200752000.htm

Squirrels in focus

 

G. Ananthakrishnan

 

International colloquia to consider new data

 

 

 

 

 

Chennai: There are now new insights into the ecology and biology of

tree squirrels and flying squirrels. These species depend greatly on

particular trees and have an extended range during fruiting seasons.

And, they may be under severe threat in degraded forests in the

subcontinent.

 

Scientists are set for two international colloquia on these two kinds

of squirrels, to be held at the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady,

Kerala, between March 22 and 29.

 

They will consider a wealth of new findings on the Indian or Malabar

giant squirrel, the grizzled giant squirrel, southern palm squirrel,

Formosan squirrel, and flying squirrels of India, Nepal, Japan, Benin

and Siberia, among others.

 

Two flying squirrel species

 

 

There are two flying squirrel species in South India (including the

endemic Travancore flying squirrel that was thought to be extinct but

was rediscovered in 1989 after a gap of 100 years by a Zoological

Survey of India scientist), and about 10 species in northern and

northeastern India. There are 14 tree squirrel species in the country.

 

Says R. Nandini, a researcher at the National Institute of Advanced

Studies, Bangalore: " Tropical forests of Asia, Africa, Central and

South America are the current centres of tree and flying squirrel

diversity and endemism. India is high in squirrel diversity, ranking

next only to Malaysia and Indonesia. " She is a key organiser of the

conference along with scientists Anindya Sinha and Robin Vijayan. Such

a conference is being held in Asia for the first time.

 

Research papers on Ratufa indica (Malabar giant squirrel) propose that

this beautiful tree-dwelling species extends its range during the

fruiting season into territories of other individuals. These squirrels

prefer particular rainforest tree species rather than just any

available ones for nesting. And they may depend significantly on

lianas (woody climbers that are often removed to plant trees) as

physical pathways and protective green cover.

 

Threats galore

 

 

Based on studies in the Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, the Forest

Department of Chhattisgarh is calling attention, in a paper submitted

to the colloquium, to the threats to squirrels from tree-loss on

eroding river banks, illegal tree- cutting for honey collection and

removal of bark and leaves in trees that are used for nesting.

 

The Wildlife Conservation Society, Bangalore, will highlight the

importance of scientific techniques in research. The Nature

Conservation Foundation, Mysore, will assess the impact of the

fragmentation of the Western Ghats.

 

The Periyar Foundation, the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation and

the Kerala Forest Department are aiding the effort.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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