Squirrels of India

Jungle striped squirrel saydelah CC BY NC
© saydelah/CC BY 4.0

Jungle Striped Squirrel

Funambulus tristriatus

Squirrel Group

Palm Squirrels

Alternate Name

  • Western Ghats Striped Squirrel

Local Name

  • Annan (Malayalam)

Indian Range

  • Western Ghats

Lifestyle

Tree Squirrels

Activity Period

Diurnal

Size

Body Length: 15.8cm
Tail Length: 13.9–⁠14.3cm
Weight: 140g

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Identification #

The reddish-brown face, forehead and back are evident when seen well. Three narrow white stripes separated by blackish bands on the dorsal part. The underside is white in colour, with a rusty-red tail and the scrotal area. Tail has a distinct mid-ventral line.

Distribution #

  • 03 Jungle striped distribution Moment

Endemic to the Western Ghats, southern India and the west coasts of India.

Habitat #

Typically avoid high urban areas.

Diet #

Similar to that of the Three-striped Palm Squirrel. It often feeds on flowers of coconut palm (Cocos nucifera)

Vocalization #

It has a call similar to the Three-striped palm squirrel, but lower in frequency

References #

Molur, S. & Nameer, P.O. 2016. Funambulus tristriatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T8704A22259512. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T8704A22259512.en. Accessed on 18 February 2026.