4287 x 2848 px | 36,3 x 24,1 cm | 14,3 x 9,5 inches | 300dpi
Date de la prise de vue:
7 février 2011
Lieu:
Prashanti Nilayam, Puttaparthi, Andhara Pradesh South India
Informations supplémentaires:
The Indian palm squirrel (Funambulus palmarum) also known as three-striped palm squirrel, is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae. The palm squirrel is about the size of a large chipmunk, with a bushy tail slightly shorter than its body. The gestation period is 34 days; breeding takes place in grass nests during the autumn. These squirrels eat mainly nuts and fruits. They are fairly vocal, with a cry that sounds like "chip chip chip" when danger is present. They are opportunists in urban areas, and can be easily domesticated and trained to accept food from humans. Squirrels are considered sacred in India and are not to be harmed. They are even fed by many Hindu families. This is mainly because of their association with Lord Rama. An interesting legend explains the stripes on the back of most of the squirrels. During the construction of the Rama Setu (bridge) at Rameswaram by Lord Rama and the Vanara Sena, a little squirrel also contributed in its own little way. It rolled in the beach sand and then ran to the end of the bridge to shake off the sand from its back (chanting Lord Rama's name all along).
