Squirrel nest usurped by parakeet: An urban interaction between two native species

Abstract

Interspecific interactions play a major role in the survival of a species and hence shaping and maintaining ecosystem and its biodiversity. However, such studies face lot of challenge in obtaining direct evidence often relying on anecdotal observations. We report an observation on nest usurping and occupation by rose-ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri on the northern palm squirrel Funambulus pennantii from an urban park in eastern India. This observation contributes to our understanding of how urban environments shape the behaviour and interactions of local wildlife species.