Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels : 1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground. 2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground. 3. They are omnivorous. How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two ✓ UPSC's answer
(c) All three
(d) None

Why the answer is (b)

• Indian squirrels — the palm squirrels (Funambulus) and giant squirrels (Ratufa) — are arboreal: they build nests (dreys) of leaves and twigs in trees or roof spaces, not burrows in the ground, so statement 1 is wrong.

• Statement 2 is correct: like squirrels elsewhere they scatter-hoard, burying nuts and seeds in the ground, which incidentally helps disperse trees.

• Statement 3 is correct: they are omnivorous, eating fruits, nuts, seeds and bark but also insects, eggs and small vertebrates when available.

• Ground-burrowing is characteristic of marmots and ground squirrels, not Indian species.

• Hence two statements, option (b).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) Only one: Both food caching and omnivory are correct, so the count is two.
(c) All three: Statement 1 is wrong: Indian squirrels nest in trees, not burrows.
(d) None: Statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023, held on 28 May 2023. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.