The Indian palm squirrel is a little rodent that Hindus consider to be sacred. The legend narrates that during the construction of the Rama Setu at Rameswaram by the Vanara Sena, a little squirrel also contributed in its own little way. Lord Rama, pleased by the creature's dedication, caressed the squirrel's back and ever since, the Indian squirrel carried white stripes on its back, which are believed to be the mark of Lord Rama's fingers.
It's intriguing how these little creatures have adapted to to increasing urbanisation. They now build nests in air-conditioner boxes, electric meters, broken pipes and even old abandoned attics!
If you have a tree near your house it is likely that you are woken up by a daily alarm of ‘clicking’ as the squirrels bathe in the sun to warm themselves and to keep a watch on any approaching danger.
The Indian palm squirrel is not as helpless as it seems, they are vehement rodents with a dislike for cats and snakes, which climb into their nests and prey on their pups. Such predators are chased away with awe inspiring vigour.
Although generally known to favour fruits, seeds, and even cooked human food, Indian Palm Squirrels supplement their diets with eggs and young of sparrows, mynas and parakeets.While they have adapted to climbing slippery pipes, running across wires and braving their way through our windows to steal an occasional ripe fruit, these rodents required the presence of trees for their survival.
Trees mean shelter and food for them, adaptions to changes can take one only so far, if you completely remove the original habitat there is a little chance of these mythologically recognised rodents to continue to survive amongst us.
While we may not take notice of their presence as often as required, we definitely cannot take it for granted. We once considered house sparrows to be a part of the household, they vanished without us realising, soon so may be the case with squirrels. While we continue with our fast paced development we must stop and think about all the collateral damage it creates.
