GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION:
The study of a museum specimen of Funambulus (commonly known as the Indian palm squirrel) involves careful examination and identification of its anatomical features. Squirrels are worldwide in distribution with the exception of the Australian region and islands and Madagascar.
CHARACTERS:
i) Funambulus is commonly called squirrels.
ii) Body is elongated and covered with fur.
iii) Five longitudinal stripes of dark color are present on the back.
iv) Tail is long and bushy.
v) The eyes and pinnae or cars are large.
vi) The for-limbs have an inconspicuous thumb and hind limbs have four clawed digits.
vii) The soles of fore-limbs are naked and those of hind-limbs are hairy.
viii) Arboreal and active climber.
ix) Diurnal and builds nests of twigs and leaves.
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE:
i) It is used as food by Native Americans.
ii) They are considered to be very destructive.
