The Indian Subcontinent provides suitable habitats to various species of animals, birds, reptiles, etc for residing and reproducing. Rodents are no exception in this regard. Various types of rodents have been recorded in India. Some of these rodents are described and mentioned below.
Greater Bandicoot Rat
The upper parts of Greater Bandicoot Rat are dark gray-brown, with a profusion of long and black hairs. A few long and black hairs occupy the gray colored sides of the rat. Short and light gray fur is evident on the ventral surfaces. The tail of the rat can be described as naked, dark and scaly. Its feet are dark, whereas the claws are light colored.
Soft-Furred Rat
Soft-Furred Rat has yellowish to brownish gray upper side and whitish underside. This rat has many short whiskers. Fine dense fur is shorter ventrally. The tail of the rat is naked, blackish above and paler beneath. Male rodent is comparatively larger.
Bhutan Giant Flying Squirrel
In India, Bhutan Giant Flying Squirrel has been traced in Sikkim and western Arunachal Pradesh. The upper parts of this squirrel are bright chestnut brown with orange tips to some of the hairs. The underparts are pale rufous in appearance.
Travancore Flying Squirrel
Travancore Flying Squirrel has been traced in South India. The squirrel has reddish brown upper side. It"s under parts are grayish with a ruddy tinge. It has a small membrane behind the hind limb and black vibrissae. This squirrel has soft, long and shiny dorsal fur. The tail of the bird is reddish brown and feather-shaped, with a blackish under surface.
Little Indian Field Mouse
Little Indian Field Mouse has large rounded ears set on the head. The mouse has glossy light brown upper parts. This color turns to grayish white or white on the ventral surface. A light brown band or splotch is often visible across the chest of the mouse. The tail is dark above and paler below.
Indian Gerbil
Indian Gerbil is light brown with rusty wash on dorsal surface including the entire head region. Its underparts are white in appearance. The tail can be described as fully furred, dark blackish brown with grayish sides and prominent black tuft on the tip.
Blyth`s Vole
Blyth`s Vole has been traced in mountainous regions in northern India. This vole has light yellowish-brown fur on the dorsal side. Its underparts are yellowish-grey in appearance. Its tail is yellowish-brown in color, above and below.
Other Rodents of India
Kondana Soft-Furred Rat, White-Tailed Mountain Vole, Asian Red-Cheeked Squirrel, Rock-Loving Mouse and Indian Hairy-Footed Gerbil are some of the other Rodents of India.
