Observation on the Raising Newborn Litters by the Indian Northern Palm Squirrel (Funambulus pennantii)

Parent care in Indian palm squirrels is a natural behaviour. Palm squirrels (Funambulus pennantii) especially females (also helped by male but not always) take care of their young ones until they are capable to feed by themselves. They have given birth to one to three young ones at a time, but survival depends upon the mother feed and environmental conditions. The feeding habit of squirrels and seasons influence the nutritional properties of milk for the nourishment of young ones. During the breeding season, study finds that squirrel prefers to give birth in the old nest if available or not destroyed otherwise squirrel have made a new nest from cotton cloth, jute rope (always preferred) and mattress (coconut fibers). Development of young ones depends on the nutrition of mother milk and number of young ones. Male squirrel give protection to young once from predator like kites and hawks by making sharp, high-pitched alarm calls at the time of danger.

⓿ Litters has learned all required communication skills from mother at early stages of development.

⓿ Number of litter birth has significant role in development.