Squirrels

There are six species of Squirrel in Sri Lanka. The Palm Squirrel (Funambulus palmarum) is found in large numbers all over the country and the Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel (Ratufa macroura – above) is found anywhere there are wooded areas.

The two species of flying Squirrel (Petaurista philippensis and Petinomys fuscocapillus) are arboreal as well and are found in the hill and mountain forests.

Two small and less common squirrels are seen only in the wet zone rainforests – the Flame-striped Jungle Squirrel (Funambulus layardi) and the Dusky-striped Squirrel (Funambulus obscurus).

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Giant Squirrel - The melanistic (darker) variety. Kandaalma Hotel near Dambulla, North Central Province, Sri Lanka.
Black Giant Squirrel on the move, Kandalama Hotel, Dambulla, North Central Province, Sri Lanka.
Black Giant Squirrel, Kandalama Hotel, Dambulla, North Central Province, Sri Lanka.
Black Giant Squirrel, Kandalama Hotel, Dambulla, North Central Province, Sri Lanka.
Black Giant Squirrel, Kandalama Hotel, Dambulla, North Central Province, Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan Giant Squirrel uses its experienced and delicate nose to find fresh fruit and decide whether it has ripened enough to eat.

Giant Grey Flying Squirrel near Kitulgala, sabaragamuwa Province in Western Sri Lanka. They are wary of Eagle Owls who live in the same forests and prey on them.
Giant Squirrel at Kandalama Hotel, near Dambulla, North Central Province, Sri Lanka.

A Palm Squirrel (Funambulus palmarum) and a Ring-necked Parakeet sharing a meal in The Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel (Ratufa macrour)
Giant Squirrel at Kandalama Hotel, near Dambulla, North Central Province, Sri Lanka.
Giant Squirrel - The melanistic (darker) variety
Black Giant Squirrel on the move
Black Giant Squirrel sniffing a branch
Black Giant Squirrel searching eagerly for food
Giant Grey Flying Squirrel (Petaurista philippensis)
Giant Grey Flying Squirrel (Petaurista philippensis)
A Palm Squirrel (Funambulus palmarum)
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Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel (Ratufa macrour)
Giant Squirrel at Kandalama Hotel, near Dambulla, North Central Province, Sri Lanka.
Giant Squirrel - The melanistic (darker) variety
Black Giant Squirrel on the move
Black Giant Squirrel sniffing a branch
Black Giant Squirrel searching eagerly for food
Giant Grey Flying Squirrel (Petaurista philippensis)
Giant Grey Flying Squirrel (Petaurista philippensis)
A Palm Squirrel (Funambulus palmarum)
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Sri Lanka. So much more than you can see in a lifetime.