Survey morphological characteristics of Palm Squirrel (Funambulus pennantii) in Iran

Abstract

Recording data characteristics of Palm Squirrel one of the unique species in Iran (Sistan- Balouchestan province) were conducted in three cities of Chabahar, Nikshahr and Sarbaz from Feb. ٢٠٠٨ to Feb. ٢٠٠٩. For this reseaon, ٦ sampling stations (٢ in each city) were
selected. For recording bioassay data of Palm Squirrel trapping were used. Forty Palm Squirrel were trapped, ٢٣ male and ٧ female with the sex ratio of ١:١٫٣. There were no significant differences in measured features between males and females. The heaviest Palm Squirrel was recorded as ١٢٣٫٥g. and the lightest was ٥٠g. Moreover; the longest and the shortest animal were ٢٩٢ and ١٢٧cm, respectively. Two features, head-body length and ear size showed significant difference among animals caught from three cities. Regression analysis among features showed correlation between head-body length and leg length. On the other hand, ear size and leg length had significant correlation.