To get to know whether they live in China or not, keep reading the article below!
About China:
China is one of the biggest countries on the world map. It exists on the Eastern side of Asia. It is the most populated country in the entire world. China is rich in architecture, export, business, and economy, and let us not forget wildlife!
China provides shelter to thousands of animals and birds. This country’s extensive land is a hub for many rare animals. Its massive wildlife is a sight worth watching! Since China covers abundant forests and greenery, it must have squirrels too!
Are there squirrels in China?
Squirrel the charming critters you may find in all the world. With over 200 species, these have become the most extensive mammals found on Earth. Different kinds are located in various areas of the world.
For instance, red squirrels are native to parts of America, and you may not see them in Asia. Similarly, China must have its types of squirrels. Several kinds are native to an area, and many subtypes are brought into a place. However, you can find these furry fellows everywhere except for Antarctica and Australia!
Types of squirrels in China:
China is home to many kinds of squirrels. Some are densely populated, while others are rarely found in some parts of China.
1. Pallas’s Squirrel:
It is one of the medium-sized squirrels that are native to China. Since it is a native inhabitant of China, you may not see them on other continents. These are distinguished from the other species by its brownish color, medium size, and reddish belly. These like living in coniferous woodlands, tropical areas, and deciduous forests.
Their lifespan is about 8 to 10 years but can go as much as 18 years if kept captive. These furry friends are mainly herbivores, meaning the central part of their diet is nuts, seeds, leaves, and fruits. If these things are unavailable, this creature will only feed on wild insects.
2.Giant flying squirrels:
This squirrel is commonly found across many areas in China. Since the name indicates giant, these are much more prominent in size than the eastern flying squirrels. These have a brownish shade, black feet, and yellow spots on their body.
They don’t fly but instead glide from one tree to the other. Their bodies have a thin membrane attaching their wrists to their feet, helping them fly on higher altitudes. These herbivores also love munching on roots, shoots, herbs, leaves, and seeds. They don’t hibernate during the winters and are active mainly at night.
3. Black giant squirrels:
These are excessively seen in parts of China. Initially, they were confused as other animals since they are as huge as monkeys. These have been losing their habitats due to deforestation and may become endangered in the coming years.
Its body is jet black with a brownish belly, and it likes to stay mainly on the trees since it is a tree squirrel. This one also likes to eat herbs, nuts, seeds, fruits, and sometimes insects. You can differentiate this squirrel from the others due to its large size, jet-black body, and long tail.
Other types of squirrels in China:
China is diverse when it comes to its wildlife. Since it encompasses hundreds of acres of land, it provides shelter to tons of squirrels within its boundaries. There are many other small and medium size rodents you can find in China. The following are a new mentioned:
- Oriental Tree squirrels:
These squirrels are thought of as one of the most beautiful squirrels. They have a blackish body with a whitish belly. Its population has rapidly increased in China over the past couple of years. - White and red giant flying squirrel:
Since the name indicates, this squirrel is red and white. This species is considered a giant flying squirrel among all the species. These are nocturnal animals, meaning they sleep during the day and are active at night. They mainly eat nuts, shrubs, grass, plants, fruits, insects, and bird’s eggs. Their body size is about 55cm, making them giant flying squirrels. - Pere David’s rock squirrel: It is also known as the Chinese rock squirrel and is commonly found across China. It is of olive gray color and likes to make its habitat on rocky terrestrial regions. This one makes burrows in the ground for shelter and protection. If you wish to see it, visit the Eastern areas of China.
- North Chinese flying squirrel:
This specie of squirrel species was commonly found in many parts of China but is now nearly endangered. It is of a dark brownish shade and is often confused with other flying squirrels.
5. Swinhoe’s striped squirrel:
These are found on the Southeast side of China. These are not solitary species but like living together in groups. You can mainly find them on mountains munching on fruits, nuts, and shrubs. They are light brownish in the shade, with white and dark brown stripes running across their body from face to tail. They breed twice a year, producing a litter of 3 -6 after every breeding.
6. Maritime striped squirrel:
You can find these in eastern and southern regions of the country. These likes to drink ginger nectar and feeds on leaves, seeds, nuts, and fruits.
