Wildlifeof China
Pallas's Squirrel
Squirrels & Flying Squirrels
Photo: (c) Wang.QG, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC-BY
Callosciurus erythraeus
Basic stats
Diet
Leaves, flowers, seeds, fruit, insects and occasional bird eggs
Habitat
Evergreen, deciduous broadleaf and subalpine conifer forest below 3,000m
Range
Southern and eastern China, Taiwan, northeastern India and Southeast Asia
Litter size
Up to 4, usually 2
Gestation period
47–49 days
Size
16–28cm, plus an 11–26cm tail
Weight
310–460g
Pallas's squirrel is a medium-sized tree squirrel whose appearance varies considerably among its numerous geographic forms. The upperparts are generally brownish, while the underparts may be bright red, muted reddish orange or only lightly tinged with colour. Black is often present on the tail. Males and females are similar in appearance and size, weighing 310–460g and having a head-and-body length of 16–28cm. (Wikipedia, general species account)
In China the species occurs widely through southern and eastern regions, including Hainan. It occupies several forest types below 3,000m and spends much of its time in the canopy. These squirrels are active by day, build leafy nests high in trees and cache acorns. Their diet is mainly plant material, supplemented by insects and occasional eggs. Alarm calls and group attacks on climbing snakes have been observed. (Wikipedia, general species account)
Quick answers
- What does the Pallas's Squirrel eat?
- Leaves, flowers, seeds, fruit, insects and occasional bird eggs
- What habitat does the Pallas's Squirrel live in?
- Evergreen, deciduous broadleaf and subalpine conifer forest below 3,000m
- Where is the Pallas's Squirrel found?
- Southern and eastern China, Taiwan, northeastern India and Southeast Asia
- What is the litter size of the Pallas's Squirrel?
- Up to 4, usually 2
- How long is the gestation period of the Pallas's Squirrel?
- 47–49 days
- How big is the Pallas's Squirrel?
- 16–28cm, plus an 11–26cm tail
- How much does the Pallas's Squirrel weigh?
- 310–460g