Study Says 'Vampire Squirrels' Have Bushiest Tails
- 10 years ago
Researchers have provided some insight into the fluffiness of the mysterious species called ‘vampire’ squirrels. A careful analysis revealed that the species' thick and fluffy tail is ‘130% relative to its body volume.’
Researchers have provided some insight into the fluffiness of the mysterious species nicknamed the ‘vampire’ squirrel. (1,1,1)
The rodents, which usually measure a little under 14 inches in length, reportedly have a taste for blood. Scientists also recently learned ‘Vampire’ squirrels have the world’s bushiest tail when compared to other mammals with a similar body size.
That conclusion was made by Erik Meijaard, a conservation scientist with People and Nature Consulting International in Jakarta, his wife Rona Dennis who is also a scientist, and their daughter Emily Mae Meijaard, who reviewed photos taken by motion-activated cameras.
A careful analysis revealed that the species' thick and fluffy tail is ‘130% relative to its body volume.’ That means ‘Vampire' squirrels' tails are over double the size of their non-tail bodies.
It’s unknown why exactly the tails belonging to ‘Vampire' squirrels are so large, but the researchers suspect they may be used to prevent predators from getting a secure hold on them.
Researchers have provided some insight into the fluffiness of the mysterious species nicknamed the ‘vampire’ squirrel. (1,1,1)
The rodents, which usually measure a little under 14 inches in length, reportedly have a taste for blood. Scientists also recently learned ‘Vampire’ squirrels have the world’s bushiest tail when compared to other mammals with a similar body size.
That conclusion was made by Erik Meijaard, a conservation scientist with People and Nature Consulting International in Jakarta, his wife Rona Dennis who is also a scientist, and their daughter Emily Mae Meijaard, who reviewed photos taken by motion-activated cameras.
A careful analysis revealed that the species' thick and fluffy tail is ‘130% relative to its body volume.’ That means ‘Vampire' squirrels' tails are over double the size of their non-tail bodies.
It’s unknown why exactly the tails belonging to ‘Vampire' squirrels are so large, but the researchers suspect they may be used to prevent predators from getting a secure hold on them.