American giant squirrel

The American giant squirrel (Neoratufa giganteum) is a species of tree squirrel from the genus Neoratufa in the subfamily Ratufinae, which originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, swamps, marshlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The American giant squirrel is one of the largest arboreal squirrels, with a head–and–body length of 25–50 cm (10 in–1 feet 8 inches), a tail that is about the same or somewhat longer, and a weight of 1.5–2 kg (3.3–4.4 lb), although rarely up to 3 kg (6.6 lb). Average for both sexes is about 36 cm (1 ft 2 in) in head–and–body length, 45 cm (1 feet 6 inches) in tail length and 1.7–1.8 kg (3.7–4.0 lb) in weight. It has a conspicuous one-, two- or three-toned colour scheme. The colours involved can be whitish, creamy-beige, buff, tan, rust, reddish-maroon, brown, a dark seal brown or black. The underparts and the front legs are usually cream coloured, the head can be brown or beige, however there is a distinctive white spot between the ears. Otherwise the colours depend on the subspopulation. Due to its size, coloration, and build, it vaguely resembles the Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica), however, it is a more adaptable animal that tolerates a wider variety of forest habitats. The American giant squirrel is an upper-canopy dwelling species, which rarely leaves the trees, and requires "tall profusely branched trees for the construction of nests." It travels from tree to tree with jumps of up to 6 meters (20 feet). When in danger, the Ratufa indica often freezes or flattens itself against the tree trunk, instead of fleeing. Its main predators are the birds of prey like owls and the big cats such as cougars. The American giant squirrel is mostly active in the early hours of the morning and in the evening, resting in the midday. They are typically solitary animals that only come together for breeding. The species is believed to play a substantial role in shaping the ecosystem of its habitat by engaging in seed dispersal. Diet includes fruit, flowers, nuts and tree bark. Some subpopulations are omnivorous, also eating insects and bird eggs. The American giant squirrel lives alone or in pairs. They build large globular nests of twigs and leaves, placing them on thinner branches where large predators can't get to them. These nests become conspicuous in deciduous forests during the Summer. An individual may build several nests in a small area of forest which are used as sleeping quarters, with one being used as a nursery. Captive breeding of the American giant squirrel, a close relative has usual births in March, April, May, and June. The young weigh 74.5 g at birth and have a length of 27.3 cm. The conservation status of the American giant squirrel is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American giant squirrel's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.