The chilled out and slightly deaf ninja squirrel of Sri Lanka

Wilpattu National Park

Fun Facts

When Sri Lankan giant squirrels aren’t in ninja mode, you can find them chilling out spread-eagled on a shady tree branch! However, their true ninja prowess can be observed through watching them nail the long jump of 6m between trees, flatten themselves against a branch to hide, or remain completely motionless like a master ninja. Although their sense of hearing is relatively poor, their vision makes up for it, making them exceptional at predator recon!

Did you know?

Unlike their bushy-tailed relatives, the giant squirrel balances using its two hind feet, instead of its tail. Known to be a recluse (a price all professional rodent ninjas pay), Giant squirrels rarely leave their tree hideouts and only come down for necessities – being chased by a predator, to attack other males encroaching on their territory, or for love.

Whereabouts

Sri Lankan Giant Squirrels are found in the Central and Uva Hills, Nuwara Eliya, including Horton Plains and the Peak Wilderness.