Eurasian swamp squirrel (SciiFii)

The Eurasian swamp squirrel (Amphibiscuirus asiaticus) is one of the only two semi-aquatic species of squirrel (the other being the American swamp squirrel (Amphibiscuirus alpharhynchos)) that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, lakes, and rivers across Eurasia to help boost biodiversity. The Eurasian swamp squirrel is a rather large member of the squirrel family, growing to be about 100–150 centimeters (39–59 inches) in length, including the tail. Like beavers, Eurasian swamp squirrels are protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of guard hairs that are 5–6 centimeters (2.0–2.4 inches) long and typically either dark brown or golden brown, but can range from reddish brown to nearly black; while the underfur is 2–3 centimeters (0.79–1.18 inches) long and dark gray. Eurasian swamp squirrels molt during the summer. The Eurasian swamp squirrel has short legs, a muscular neck (no smaller than the head) and an elongated body that is broadest at the hips, similarly to those of otters. The tail of the Eurasian swamp squirrel is slender and completely covered in fur, unlike those of the similarly-sized beavers. The Eurasian swamp squirrel's front feet are dexterous, allowing them to grasp and manipulate objects and food, as well as dig. The hind feet are larger and have webbing between the toes, and the second innermost toe of the hind foot has double nails used for grooming. Only their webbed hind feet are used while the front feet are tucked under the chest. On the surface, the hind limbs thrust alternately while underwater they move simultaneously. Eurasian swamp squirrels are awkward on land but can move quickly when frightened. They can carry objects while walking on their hind legs. While the Eurasian swamp squirrel is in the water, its body and tail moves up and down in a wave-like motion to help it swim, similar to dolphins. Eurasian swamp squirrels are highly mobile and have the capacity of traveling up to 42 km (26 mi) in one day. Eurasian swamp squirrels are herbivorous, consuming lichens, aquatic plants, grasses and sedges. Like many other rodents, Eurasian swamp squirrels are generally solitary animals and prefer to live alone, apart from during the breeding seasons and/or if the swamp squirrel is a mother. Unlike beavers, Eurasian swamp squirrels do not build nests. Instead, they establish burrows close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the swamp squirrel to enter and exit the body of water. Female Eurasian swamp squirrels give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to nine young. The conservation status of the Eurasian swamp squirrel is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the Eurasian swamp squirrel's wide range, and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii