Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels: 1.

Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels:

  • 1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground.
  • 2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground.
  • 3. They are omnivorous.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Only one
Only two
All three
None
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2023
Only two of the above statements are correct.
1. **They build nests by making burrows in the ground:** This is generally incorrect for the common Indian squirrels (like the Indian Palm Squirrel). Tree squirrels, which are prevalent in India, typically build nests called ‘dreys’ high up in trees using twigs, leaves, and other plant materials. While some squirrel species (ground squirrels) do burrow, this is not characteristic of the squirrels commonly referred to in India in this context.
2. **They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground:** This is correct. Burying or ‘caching’ nuts and seeds is a common behaviour among many squirrel species, including Indian squirrels, to store food for later consumption, particularly during scarcity.
3. **They are omnivorous:** This is correct. While their diet primarily consists of plant material like nuts, seeds, fruits, and buds, Indian squirrels are known to also eat insects, larvae, bird eggs, and occasionally small vertebrates, making them omnivorous.
The most common squirrel species in India are tree squirrels like the Indian Palm Squirrel (*Funambulus palmarum*) and the Indian Giant Squirrel (*Ratufa indica*). Their habits align with statements 2 and 3, but not statement 1.
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