My Encounter with the Indian Palm Squirrel

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Indian Palm Squirrel



Wildlife and nature are incomplete without the existence of Mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Though the birds play a major role in our backyard, there are other creatures in our backyard, and the layout cannot be ignored.

There were big mammals like leopards that existed around our layout a few years ago. This created panic amongst the nearby farms and houses as their farm animals and dogs have been targeted by the leopards. Fortunately, the leopards wandered off from this area as human habitation began to increase in the locality.   

Sometimes, we have Wild boars as visitors who come to damage some crops nearby. They visit our layout quite often. I have not seen them though I heard they are well known to steal bananas, coconuts, and other crops. They are also well known for their skill in separating the husk of the coconut from the coconut fruit.

 Small mammals along with various reptiles and amphibians are abundant in our layout.

 

Indian Palm Squirrels are omnipresent in our layout. Their population seemed to have increased ever since we moved to this area. Also, they are brisk, nosey, and a bit friendly with humans and other birds who visit our backyard. I call them "the curious little Inspectors" due to their curious and nosey behavior.  Our big house and the garden seemed to be a fascination for them. I have seen them monitoring each and every nook and corner of the garden and of the house and briskly moving about on trees, ground, terraces as well on the porch.

They are friendly and well adapted to the different species of birds who come to feed on grains in the backyard. Sometimes they can be possessive and bossy. However, Rose Ringed Parakeets (the green bosses) when not in good mood keep them at bay. Otherwise, I have seen both the creatures as well as other birds sharing a feed tray in a peaceful manner. At times, they give panic-stricken squeals whenever they are approached by a predator like a Domestic cat or a Shikra. These squeals keep going on for a long time, even though the predator has moved away. They take a long time to cool down.









During the breeding season, they become very inquisitive and therefore explore our outer building for a suitable place for their nest building. In the initial years, they had chosen the electric meter box as their nestling place since it was cozy and secured. But they are unaware that the live wires are deadly to them. They have nests made of dry grass, coconut fiber, and soft clothing. Sometimes they steal small clothing like socks, handkerchiefs, etc. This went on for 3 years and one day we had to remove the nest and its 3 puppies out.  We placed the puppies (6 weeks old) at the foot of the coconut tree just by the entrance of the house. One of the puppies went on squealing for about 10 mins and so. About 20 mins later, all 3 puppies had disappeared, indicating that the mother had taken them away. There is no way for a predator to enter the entrance as we humans were continuously moving around the place.

 From that day onwards we discouraged them from making nests in the electric meter box. But they turn adamant now and then, sometimes approaching the metal box of the electric meter and scratching it hard to open the door.  Going disappointed, they go looking out for another nesting place. They scrutinize every inch of the house, including climbing over the windows like a detective searching for clues at the crime scene.

The unkempt nest of the Indian Palm Squirrel on the Areca nut tree


Some time back, they had nested on odd places like the ventilators and the windowsill. We discouraged them to breed insecure places. Finally, one of the squirrels had made a nest in natural surroundings, i e in the garden on the Areca nut tree. The nest is still present even after 2 months. Perhaps, it has been reused by other squirrels or other birds.

Meenakshi Thopse is a Blogger/writer, working presently in the field of Digital marketing. She started the "Best Courses In Digital World" FB page & Blog to promote Data Science & Digital Marketing online courses to budding job seekers to build the required skills for their careers. Also, she launched Sri Raksha Online shopping Blog to Guide people to buy appropriate products (Daily Essentials) She had worked as an Accountant and as a Manager for more than 10 years.

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