The Tobol Region squirrel belongs to the Rodents. Its Latin name is Sciurus vulgaris golzmajeri. It is one of the largest subspecies of the common squirrel. The animal body length is about 25 cm. In winter it sports an ashtray-grey back and sides and a white belly. In summer, the upper side of the body is grey, with a reddish ochre hue, and there is sometimes an ochre band along its spine. The Tobol Region squirrel is listed in the Red Book of the Kurgan region.
The main habitat of this species is pine forests. The animals make spherical nests of branches, moss and lichens there. A family of squirrels usually has several dwellings in the area, one of which is used for breeding. Occasionally, the squirrels dwell in large hollows made by woodpeckers, which they abundantly line with vegetation.
The squirrels are active during daylight hours. They move equally well on the ground and trees, easily making 3-4 meter horizontal jumps and 10-15 meter ones straight down. The animals eat mushrooms, pine seeds and berries; they also eat insects and amphibians.
A squirrel’s tail serves both as a parachute and a steering wheel, and not only when it jumps from tree to tree. Squirrels are good swimmers. During a swim their main task is not to get their tail wet. That’s why they keep it above the water. If the tail gets wet because of the waves, the squirrel will immediately drown, as it will act as an anchor.
The animal’s most developed sense is hearing. But the squirrels do not have very good memory, for they often forget where they have hidden their own treasure. The squirrel can process and hide 15 spruce and 100 pine cones in one day – the food that will last it for more than 3 months.
The main habitat of this species is pine forests. The animals make spherical nests of branches, moss and lichens there. A family of squirrels usually has several dwellings in the area, one of which is used for breeding. Occasionally, the squirrels dwell in large hollows made by woodpeckers, which they abundantly line with vegetation.
The squirrels are active during daylight hours. They move equally well on the ground and trees, easily making 3-4 meter horizontal jumps and 10-15 meter ones straight down. The animals eat mushrooms, pine seeds and berries; they also eat insects and amphibians.
A squirrel’s tail serves both as a parachute and a steering wheel, and not only when it jumps from tree to tree. Squirrels are good swimmers. During a swim their main task is not to get their tail wet. That’s why they keep it above the water. If the tail gets wet because of the waves, the squirrel will immediately drown, as it will act as an anchor.
The animal’s most developed sense is hearing. But the squirrels do not have very good memory, for they often forget where they have hidden their own treasure. The squirrel can process and hide 15 spruce and 100 pine cones in one day – the food that will last it for more than 3 months.
