ABUNDANCE AND FEEDING HABIT OF SQUIRRELS (MAMMALIA: RODENTIA: SCIURIDAE) IN AN URBAN PARK, BANGLADESH

Abstract

We studied population abundance and feeding habits of a native squirrel, Callosciurus pygerythrus, and an introduced squirrel, Funambulus pennantii, at Ramna Park in Dhaka City from November 2015 to April 2016. Altogether 459 squirrels were encountered comprising 167 (36.4%) encounters with C. pygerythrus and 292 (63.6%) with F. pennantii. The relative abundance of C. pygerythrus and F. pennantii were 7.0 and 12.3 individuals/km of transect respectively. Altogether 92 feeding occasions of squirrels were observed that included 29 occasions of C. pygerythrus and 63 occasions of F. pennantii. Both species had omnivorous diets while C. pygerythrus consumed more fruit (35% of all consumed foods) than F. pennantii (28% of all consumed foods). The diets of both species were highly correlated (x2=65.1, df=40, p=0.0073). Both intra-and inter-specific interactions at food sources revealed competition for limited resources in the park. Population monitoring and further research on various ecological aspects will help to understand their ecological adaptations to the urban setting and their roles in ecosystem health. This will inform management approaches for this important natural area in an urban setting.