From the archive record
An Indian palm squirrel (Funambulus palmarum) is engaged in nest-building behaviour, clinging to the side of a tree trunk just above a circular hollow. The squirrel holds nesting material—likely dried grass, twigs, or coconut fibres—firmly in its mouth. Its sharp claws grip the deeply textured bark, allowing it to maintain position while preparing the nest site. Such hollows are commonly used as safe spaces for shelter and raising young. The squirrel repeatedly carries and arranges materials to build a soft, insulated nest. The scene highlights natural construction behaviour and adaptation in a tree-dwelling rodent species.